BENEFIT 209: A practical example of judging people by what is apparent!

Question: A group of Africans drowned in the sea and died. They were then recovered and buried in Muslim cemeteries. It is not known whether they were Muslims or non-Muslims. What is the ruling on this action? Sheikh Yahya ḥafidhahullāh responded: The general rule is that those who come from that region, unless it is evident that they are Christians or non-Muslims, should be prayed over and buried in Muslim cemeteries if they are recovered. The majority of people in Africa, are they predominantly Christians or Muslims? According to the majority. If the majority in that country and this is what seems apparent; that those of them who come to Yemen are mostly Muslims, and so the practice is to pray over them and bury them in Muslim cemeteries. However, if the majority of those coming from there are Christians, or if there is a clear indication that someone is a Christian, such as wearing a cross or similar symbols, then they should not be prayed over nor buried in Muslim cemeteries. This determination can be made through evident signs or by their attire, such as wearing a cross or something similar. @almanhajussalafi