What is the recommended depth for a grave?
General Chapter
Al-Mughni
Book of Funerals
Primary text
The recommended depth for a grave, for both men and women, is up to the chest (as stated by Ahmad). This depth is preferred because digging to the depth of a full height plus a span (qamah wa bastah) is considered difficult and deviates from customary practice. The command of the Prophet, peace be upon him, to "deepen" (a'miqu) does not specify the exact measurement. It is recommended to beautify, deepen, and widen the grave based on the general command derived from the tradition where the Prophet, upon stopping at a grave, gave specific instructions for its making, stating that Allah loves when an action is done perfectly (ihkam), which also comforts the family's hearts.
Supporting text
Hasan and Ibn Sirin favored deepening the grave up to the chest. Abu al-Khattab mentioned that it is desirable to deepen it to the depth of a full height plus a span (qamah wa bastah). Conversely, upon the death of his son, 'Umar ibn 'Abd al-'Aziz ordered that the grave be dug only up to the navel and not deepened, based on the rationale that what is on the earth's surface is superior to what is beneath it. Imam Al-Shafi'i supported the depth of a full height plus a span based on the Prophet's statement, "Dig, widen, and deepen," and the reported bequest of Ibn 'Umar for his own grave, arguing this depth prevents scavenging animals and deters desecration.