This fatwa was issued in response to a letter received by the Indonesian Council of Ulama (Majelis Ulama Indonesia) from Bambang Sulastomo regarding the transfer of a corpse from the holy land (tanah Suci - Mecca) to the homeland (tanah air - Indonesia). After convening on 13 October 1981, the Council determined that it would be preferable for the deceased's body to remain in the holy land where it had already been buried. The only exception to this would be if a reason existed according to shari'a. Imam Maliki stated that transferring a corpse already buried would be permissible if a reason could be found that pertained to the welfare of others, including to make the pilgrimage easier or to enable the body to be buried with other deceased family members. Government instructions would also be necessary if a body was to be repatriated.