No, Muslims do not sit Shiva.
Shiva is a Jewish mourning ritual observed by those of the Jewish faith. Islam has its own distinct set of mourning practices that differ significantly.
Islamic Mourning Practices:
In Islam, the deceased are typically buried as soon as possible, often within 24 hours of death. Community involvement in the ritual is considered a requirement. The process generally involves the following steps:
- Washing (Ghusl): The body is ritually washed.
- Shrouding (Kafan): The body is wrapped in a plain white shroud.
- Funeral Prayer (Salat al-Janazah): Prayers are performed for the deceased.
- Burial: The body is buried, typically facing Mecca.
Muslims observe a mourning period, but it does not involve "sitting Shiva" in the Jewish sense. The Islamic mourning period is often characterized by:
- Prayer and Remembrance: Family and friends offer prayers for the deceased and reflect on their life.
- Condolences: Offering condolences to the bereaved family is an important act of support.
- Charity: Giving to charity in the name of the deceased is also a common practice.
- Restrictions: While specific restrictions vary, prolonged displays of grief or extravagant mourning are generally discouraged. For widows, there's a specific mourning period ('Iddah) that lasts for four months and ten days.
In summary, while both Judaism and Islam have mourning rituals following a death, the specific practices differ considerably. Muslims do not observe Shiva.
