No, according to mainstream Islamic theology, a dead body cannot feel pain. However, a specific interpretation of a Hadith (a saying attributed to the Prophet Muhammad) suggests otherwise.
Interpretation of a Hadith
Some interpretations of a Hadith, as noted by Allama Teebi (AR), suggest that a deceased person feels the pain inflicted upon their body. The Hadith, referencing the sin of breaking a deceased person's bones, equates it to breaking the bones of a living person. Allama Teebi's commentary states, "The hadith indicates to the fact that the deceased person feels the pain." (17-Nov-2011) This interpretation is not universally accepted within Islamic scholarship.
Mainstream Islamic View
The prevailing understanding within Islamic jurisprudence is that once the soul leaves the body, the physical body is incapable of sensation, including feeling pain. The emphasis on respectful treatment of the deceased is rooted in religious piety and respect for human life, even after death. The prohibition against mistreating a corpse stems from this respect, not from a belief that the deceased experiences pain.
Conclusion
While a specific interpretation of a Hadith suggests a deceased person feels pain, this is a minority view. The dominant understanding in Islam is that a dead body is incapable of experiencing sensation. The importance of respectful treatment of the deceased is based on religious reverence, not the possibility of inflicting pain.
