A MORE STRICT POLICY (VERSE NO. 84)

      Now a more strict policy is ordered to be taken against the hypocrites, which is some sort of effective negative combat:

      ``Don't pray for any of them who passes away, and stand not over their graves.''

      The immediate reference here is on ABDULLAH- IBN- ABISELLUL who was the chief of the hypocrites of Medina. A believer, dead or alive, is respectable and worthy of esteem. When he dies, it is incumbent upon all Muslims around him to perform the funeral ceremony, which consists of; ablution, shroud, the prayer for Mercy, and burial. But, if only one Muslims carries out the ritual, all obligations and duties will be raised up from the others. If the rites are not done for a Muslim, it may mean that he has been excommunicated, which is a great disgrace for him and for his near kins.

      As far as a Muslim observes the apparent Islamic bounds, his internal motives are not judged upon, and on his death, it is the duty of every Muslim arround him to assist in the performance of the funeral ceremonies, even though they know him to be a nominal Muslim. Before his body is consigned to the grave, he has to be given an ablution, to be shrouded, and the prayer of Mercy has to be performed for him. It is the pious duty of every neighbouring Muslim to attend the funeral procession. But when it is clear and evident to all that the decease a hypocrite or a disbeliever, his carcass is to be treated and handled as that of a stranger.