even though mutilating an unbeliever after his death does harm the enemy. Nevertheless, it has been forbidden because it constitutes needless additional abuse (1). The purpose is to put an end to his evil by killing him, [and that has already been achieved] (2).

Thus, even if those whom these people hate had been unbelievers and were now dead, they would still have no right to mutilate their bodies after death. They may not strike them, slit open their abdomens, or pull out their hair, even though doing so would harm them. But if they do this to others, supposing that its effects will reach those whom they hate, this is the height of ignorance. How much worse, then, when it is done to a creature that it is forbidden to harm (3), such as a sheep, which may not be harmed without justification! They thus do something from which they derive [through it] (4) no benefit whatsoever, but only harm in their religion, this world, and the Hereafter, while displaying the utmost foolishness and ignorance.

Part of their folly is that they hold a mourning assembly (5) and wail over someone who was (6) killed many years ago (7). It is well known that if such acts were performed immediately after the death of a slain person or anyone else who had died, they would be among the things that Allah and His Messenger have forbidden. It is established in the Sahih (8) that the Prophet—may Allah’s blessings and peace be upon him—said:

(“He is not one of us who slaps the cheeks and tears