Abu Malik al-Ashʿari (may Allah be pleased with him) reported that the Messenger of Allah (peace and blessings be upon him) said, “Four practices from the Age of Ignorance will remain in my community and they will not abandon them: boasting about one’s forefathers, disparaging the lineage of others, seeking rain through the stars, and wailing over the dead.” He also said, “The woman who wails—if she does not repent before she dies—will be raised on the Day of Resurrection wearing a garment of molten copper and a coat of scabs.” (1) Reported by Muslim.

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A. Biography of Abu Malik: His name is al-Harith ibn al-Harith al-Shami, and he is a Companion.

“From the ways of the Age of Ignorance”: Here, the Age of Ignorance refers to the period before the Prophet’s mission; its people were so named because of their profound ignorance, and everything that contradicts what the Messenger (peace be upon him) brought is a form of ignorance.

“They will not abandon them”: meaning that members of this Ummah will continue to commit these acts, whether knowingly despite their prohibition or out of ignorance of the ruling.

“Boasting about one’s forefathers”: exalting oneself over others because of one’s ancestors and their achievements.

“Disparaging the lineage of others”: belittling and finding fault with their ancestry.

“Seeking rain through the stars”: attributing rainfall and its coming to stars and lunar mansions.

“Wailing”: raising the voice in lamentation for the deceased.

“Will be raised on the Day of Resurrection”: she will be brought forth from her grave and made to stand for reckoning and recompense.