BAKU, Oct. 1, 2025
A new practice has emerged in Azerbaijan: sending out invitations to funeral ceremonies in the same style as wedding celebrations. The trend has prompted debate over whether such invitations are consistent with religious norms.
Speaking to Patrulaz.az, theologian Fazil Ahmadli explained that while invitations to funerals are not a required tradition, they are not forbidden either.
“Before the burial, those who attend are usually close relatives, acquaintances, and people who consider it their duty to accompany the deceased. This is considered a great blessing and may help in the forgiveness of sins,” Ahmadli said.
He noted that participation in funerals by residents of the same community is regarded as a collective obligation (wajib al-kifaya) in Islam: if a few individuals perform the rites, the duty is lifted from the rest.
Typically, the third-day ceremony is attended by close relatives and those who could not be present at the burial. Formal invitations are not customary for this occasion.
It is at the 40-day commemoration that invitations may be distributed more widely, Ahmadli said.
“On the 40th day, many people are usually invited, and today this is done both in print and online. It is a new phenomenon, but it does not undermine the essence of religion and is not prohibited.”
Ahmadli stressed that Islam does not reject innovations that ease people’s lives and do not touch the foundations of faith.
“For example, some graves now feature QR codes with information and photos of the deceased. This is not forbidden. What Islam discourages is extravagance – lavish monuments or excessive spending. Invitations, by contrast, are merely a convenience and not considered haram,” he said.
