Why is bread and lentils scattered in Islamic Cemetery?

[reniannen]

In the Islamic cemetery near my home there is always bread and lentils scattered around the graves. It seems to appear particularly on religious days and around Eid. I did a google search on Islamic burial customs but nothing mentions this. So can anyone tell me why?

[Lonnie]

I didn't know about this custom, but it could well be to do with his birthright.
Jacob allegedly tricked Esau out of his bithright, by forcing him to sell it to him for a meal of Bread and Lentils.

There is a lot more to the story, but thats the basis of it. I could make an educated guess as to the meaning, but thats all it would be, although you can take a bet its from that story.

[reniannen]

Thanks for your suggestion. Forgive my ignorance but I don't understand why this story would form part of an Islamic tradition? The birthright Jacob bought was Israel and Esau is identified with Christians not Muslims, who apparently see Ismael as their ancestor according to a wikipedia article I found.

[wizard69]

reniannen...the muslim faith shares much of the judeo / christian mythology and many of the old testament figures (abraham, noah, jacob etc) are prominent in the koran.
Must admit though, I did my own search after reading your question and it has me stumped.If you have no joy on here maybe your best bet would be to find a muslim question and answer site.
good luck...

[Theland]

Wizard69 - try this one
http://z6.invisionfree.com/Chatterbank/index.p hp?showtopic=1&st=120&#last

[reniannen]

Oh well thanks for trying I appreciate your help. Maybe it is just some old lady who likes (over)feeding the birds, although the lentils still stump me.

[Lonnie]

I work for a large multi ethnic and religous company, and today I asked a couple of devout Muslims your question.
They said they'd never heard of it, but it might well be a local custom, belonging to whichever Islamic sect is in your area.
However, they said they'd ask at the Mosque, and if they get an answer, would let me know, and in turn, i'll let you know.

I'm intrigued, and so were they.

[Octavius]

I don't think it is a written tradition, just perhaps some personal preference by those people attached to the cemetery through a loved one.

On Eid day, the whole community gets together at the mosque or sometimes a large park if there are too many people. Everyone- men, women, and children are strongly encouraged to go. Each person who goes to the Eid prayer takes a full bath or shower, dresses in their newest or best clothes, eats a quick breakfast and then attends the Eid congregation.

After prayer, everyone greets each other with "Eid Murbarak" (Happy Eid). Children often get a lot of gifts and money.

Some families visit the cemetery to remember their beloved dead, and sit by their graves for a while.

Perhaps they bring some "gifts" to share with their departed loved ones in the feasting.

[dawkins]

Are you sure its an islamic cemetery? In hindu tradition pinda (rice balls are offered to the spirit of the dead. Pinda can sometimes take the form of a cake made of rice flour and milk. In sikh tradition, langar: a simple meal of lentils and bread is served at sikh gatherings including funerals and other religious ceremonies. Although I haven't found anything about langer being offered to the dead it is possibly a local custom? Anyway I'm probably talking rubbish but i thought i'd put my tuppence worth in.

[reniannen]

Hi, Thanks everyone. I did doubt myself dawkins but the sign definitely says Islamic. I guess I'll need to ask if I see a Muslim there.