Kuwait bans coloured pebbles on graves, citing Islamic principles of modesty

Dubai: Kuwait’s Ministry of Islamic Affairs has issued a new religious fatwa banning the use of coloured pebbles to decorate graves, emphasising that such practices contradict the spirit of modesty and reflection encouraged by Islamic tradition.

The fatwa, issued in response to a request from the Funeral Affairs Department at the Kuwait Municipality, permits the use of plain, uncolored gravel to help stabilize grave soil — but explicitly prohibits the decorative use of colored pebbles (salboukh).

“There is no objection to placing pebbles on graves if the purpose is to support the soil,” said Turki Al Mutairi, Assistant Undersecretary for the Fatwa and Sharia Research Sector at the ministry.

“Some scholars have even indicated that this practice is in line with the Sunnah. However, it must not become a form of beautification or ornamentation, which undermines the intended spirit of humility and reflection.”

Al Mutairi stressed that only small, standard, uncolored pebbles should be used, and that any deviation into decorative grave styling — through color or elaborate designs — is impermissible under Islamic law.

The directive follows growing concern from the Funeral Affairs Department over the increasing prevalence of colored and ornamental grave coverings, citing that some funeral directors had interpreted previous fatwas too broadly, leading to the use of pebbles in various sizes and colors.

The department further recommended that gravestones remain within a standard size and modest color range — such as white or gray — and called for formal religious guidance to prevent excessive personalization and aesthetic innovations at burial sites.