As seen in many mourning ceremonies, some individuals, due to the intensity of their grief and sorrow, remove their clothes and strike their chests with bare bodies. To learn about the ruling on this practice, stay with Saadnews.
Actions, behaviors, and any required or recommended acts of worship are subject to rules that govern all human actions. These behaviors are shaped by religious and Islamic frameworks, and guidance is needed to follow them properly. One such practice is the etiquette of mourning, which sometimes leads to religious distortion or exploitation by enemies. Many have asked about the ruling on undressing during mourning ceremonies to strike one's chest.
The fatwas of most prominent religious authorities indicate that undressing to strike the chest during the mourning of Imam Hussein (peace be upon him) is permissible as long as it is not in front of non-mahrams (those who are not closely related) and does not lead to moral corruption. None of these authorities have considered "severe chest beating" as forbidden; on the contrary, they have emphasized its recommended nature. The story of the "old shirt" may carry a moral message about preserving modesty, but it is not related to this issue, and no scholar has used it as evidence against undressing during mourning ceremonies for Imam Hussein (peace be upon him).
The story, as mentioned in the book "Luhuf," states that Imam Hussein (peace be upon him) told his family to bring him a worn-out shirt, which no one would want, to wear underneath his clothes so his body would not be exposed. This event may have a moral lesson about preserving modesty, but it does not relate to the issue of undressing during the mourning ceremonies for Imam Hussein (peace be upon him).
Imam Khomeini (R.A.):
If undressing does not cause harm, it is not a problem. Women should avoid looking at non-mahrams' bodies.
Ayatollah Khamenei:
If it is not in front of non-mahrams and does not lead to moral corruption, undressing and striking the chest is permissible, but it is more appropriate to do so with mourning attire.
Ayatollah Behjat:
If it is appropriate for mourning and does not cause harm, it is permissible. However, if it exposes the body to non-mahrams, it is not allowed.
Ayatollah Sistani:
It is permissible to cry out loud and strike one's chest in mourning ceremonies, including running or jumping. Undressing during mourning is also permissible as long as it does not involve non-mahrams and does not cause harm.
Ayatollah Nouri Hamedani:
Undressing to strike the chest, as long as it is not in front of non-mahrams, is permissible. Chest beating is a form of mourning and a way to honor the sacrifice of Imam Hussein (peace be upon him).
Ayatollah Makarim Shirazi:
Undressing during chest-beating ceremonies is permissible, but if women are present, it becomes forbidden.
Ayatollah Fazel Lankarani:
It is permissible, as long as it does not cause harm. It is better to avoid exposing the body to women.
Ayatollah Mozaffari:
Undressing in front of women during chest-beating is not allowed.
The content of the mourning should not involve anything forbidden, like falsehood, exaggeration, or causing harm to the religion and the standing of Imam Hussein (peace be upon him) and the innocent ones. The manner should also avoid haram activities, such as listening to forbidden music. Mourning practices should not give enemies an opportunity to misrepresent the faith of Ahlul Bayt (peace be upon them) or their followers. This can be considered the essential features of mourning that pleases the Ahlul Bayt (peace be upon them).
