Fatwa #145913 October 2006South Africa
have quite often seen people covering all the mirrors in their houses if there is a janaazah in the house
Question
Assalaamu alakum.
I have quite often seen people covering all the mirrors in their houses if there is a janaazah in the house. The explanation i got from my elders is that "The malaaika dont like seeing their own reflection so they wont enter your house if you dont cover the mirrors." I dont believe this, but would like to know if there is any islamic basis for doing this or if it is just an indian culture / 'old wives tale?' as some people cover it for the entire 40 day period (which another issue I am unsure about regarding its islamic basis).
Shukran, Wassalaamu alaykum
Answer
Assalamu Alaikum Warahmatullah
Brother/Sister in Islam
There is no basis in Shariah for covering the mirrors during janazah or for 40 days.
Mufti Ebrahim Desai
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