Who has priority in lowering a deceased woman into her grave?
General Chapter
Al-Mughni
Book of Funerals
Primary text
The closest relative (Mahram) who was permitted to see her while she was alive and travel with her has the utmost right to place her in the grave. This is supported by the action of 'Umar ibn Al-Khattab when Zaynab bint Jahsh died, where he sought out those related to her whom it was permissible for her to be seen by in life. The relative is prioritized because they held authority (wilayah) over her in life, which extends after death. Based on the narration from Ahmad, the blood relatives take precedence over the husband if both are present, as the husband's marital tie ceases upon her death while kinship remains.
Supporting text
Al-Qadi favored the husband over the relatives, citing Abu Bakr who placed his wife in the grave himself rather than allowing relatives. If neither the relatives nor the husband are present, it is preferred, according to Ahmad, that women place her in the grave as they are permitted to view her and have priority in washing her, with the closest woman taking precedence. However, another narration from Ahmad states that women are not capable of entering the grave for burial, deeming the act legislatively unsupported.