Mu' meneen Brothers and Sisters,

As Salaam Aleikum wa Rahmatullahi wa Barakatuh. (May Allah's Peace, Mercy and Blessings be upon all of you)

One of our brothers/sisters has asked this question:

I want to know if it is wrong to keep photos of someone who has passed away? if so, how best to get rid of them? also, randomly, i have some hairs of his that i picked off his bed after he died (they smell of him still as i kept it in airtight tub) and i also found a tooth he had lost at some point in his left and kept that too. if its wrong to keep these things, what should i do with them? i do not want him to be in any discomfort because of me or be doing anything. wrong.

Thankyou 

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Answer:

Hair and tooth of deceased keep

In the name of Allah, We praise Him, seek His help and ask for His forgiveness. Whoever Allah guides none can misguide, and whoever He allows to fall astray, none can guide them aright. We bear witness that there is none worthy of worship but Allah Alone, and we bear witness that Muhammad (saws) is His slave-servant and the seal of His Messengers.

Your Question: …..i want to know if it is wrong to keep photos of someone who has passed away?

Provided one does not hang these photos on display, the majority of the scholars and jurists in Islam are of the opinion that there is absolutely no harm if one keeps photos of their loved and dear ones secured in albums as memories. And Allah Alone Knows Best.

Your Question: ….also, randomly, i have some hairs of his that i picked off his bed after he died (they smell of him still as i kept it in airtight tub) and i also found a tooth he had lost at some point in his left and kept that too. if its wrong to keep these things, what should i do with them?

The scholars in Islam are of the opinion that it would not be appropriate for one to hold on to and safeguard pieces of the deceased’s body.

It would be best if you arranged to bury the hair and the teeth which you have from the deceased in the ground.

Whatever written of Truth and benefit is only due to Allah’s Assistance and Guidance, and whatever of error is of me alone. Allah Alone Knows Best and He is the Only Source of Strength.

Your brother and well wisher in Islam,

Burhan