Purity: Obligations of Burial
Practical Laws of Islam as per the teachings of Ayatullah Sistani
Ruling 602:
It is obligatory to bury a corpse in a manner that its smell does not come out and predatory animals cannot dig it out. If there is a danger that an animal will dig it out, the grave must be strengthened with bricks or similar things.
-Ayatullah Sistani, Practical Laws of Islam, Purification (Taharah)
This makes sense from a public health perspective that's been around for centuries. The emphasis on preventing animals from disturbing burial sites and controlling odor shows how these practices aligned with protecting comunity health long before modern sanitation. My grandfather who worked in cemetery management always talked about how traditional burial methods from various faiths often had practical wisdem baked into them.