Is it permissible to tear the shroud (*kafan*)?
General Chapter
Al-Mughni
Book of Funerals
Primary text
Tearing the shroud is not permissible because it constitutes an unnecessary destruction of property and is not supported by the religious texts. The Prophet, peace be upon him, commanded, "When one of you shrouds his brother, let him perfect his shrouding," as narrated by Muslim. Tearing it damages it and removes its aesthetic quality.
Supporting text
Unfastening the ties at the head and feet of the shroud is recommended because the ties were placed to prevent the shroud from spreading, a danger that is removed once the deceased is interred. It is narrated that when Nu'aym ibn Mas'ud Al-Ashja'i was placed in the grave, the Prophet, peace be upon him, removed the pegs (or ties) from his mouth. Similar actions are narrated from Ibn Mas'ud and Samurah ibn Jundub.