Using the phrase 'rest in peace' for a non-Muslim

Question

Assalamu alaikum

What is the appropriate understanding of the phrase ‘rest in peace’ in Islam? When a non-Muslim dies, for instance, a famous person, it is common for many Muslims to use the phrase ‘rest in peace.’ How should this practice be viewed within the context of Islamic teachings?

Additionally, in contemporary times, some young individuals humorously use phrases like ‘rest in peace’ in non-serious contexts, such as ‘rest in peace my motivation for school has died.’ Furthermore, there are instances of Muslims replacing ‘rest in peace’ with ‘Inna Lillahi Wa Inna Ilaihi Raji’un.’ in those contexts.

What is the perspective of Islamic scholars on these various uses of the phrase ‘rest in peace,’ and could they be considered as disrespectful or joking with the Deen?”

— Muhammad, Amsterdam

Answer

Wa `Alaykum al-Salām

The English phrase "rest in peace" is a statement of du`ā made upon an individual's death, and the fuqahā' have ruled it as kufr to make du`ā for mercy or forgiveness in favor of a deceased kāfir. It is clearly stated in the Qur'ān and Sunnah that anyone who dies upon disbelief (kufr) is destined for punishment in the grave and eternal hell fire. It is stated in Bahār-e-Sharī`at:

جو کسی کافر کے لیے اُس کے مرنے کے بعد مغفرت کی دعا کرے یا کسی مردہ مُرتد کو مرحوم یا مغفور ... کہے وہ خود کافر ہے

"The one who makes du`ā for the forgiveness of a kāfir after his death, or refers to any deceased murtad as “marḥūm” or “maghfūr”, then he himself is a kāfir."

[Bahār-e-Sharī`at, Vol. 1, 'Imān aur Kufr ka Bayān]

Hence, it is ḥarām to say "rest in peace" upon the death of any kāfir.

The phrase, (إنا لله وإنا إليه راجعون) is from the Qur'ān and is pronounced at the time of any affliction or loss that reaches a Muslim whether it is a major loss or a minor, such as the passing away of a Muslim or the falling down of a Muslim. It is not permissible to recite it upon the death of a kāfir.

Faqīr Salmān al-Nūrī · (May he be forgiven)

Verified by Muftī Zāhid Ḥussain al-Qādirī