Question Summary:
Is it permissible to display the face of the deceased for public viewing?

Question Detail:

Is it permissible to display the face of the deceased for public viewing?

Answer :

In the Name of Allah, the Most Gracious, the Most Merciful.
 
As-salāmu `alaykum wa-rahmatullāhi wa-barakātuh.
 
It is permissible to expose the face of a male after salaatul – Janaazah and before the burial process. However, such a practice is discouraged especially when the effects of the Barzagh (eschatological world) become apparent. Such effects should be concealed.[1]
It is not permissible to expose the face of a female after Salaatul – Janaazah.
 
And Allah knows best.
 
Ismail Desai
Student Darul Iftaa
 
Checked and Approved
Mufti Ebrahim Desai
daruliftaa.net