Etiquette Related to Funeral Prayer
The funeral prayer (Salat al-Janazah) is accompanied by several etiquettes and Sunnahs that Muslims are encouraged to observe, including but not limited to:
- Walking behind the funeral procession.
- Avoiding the performance of the funeral prayer among graves.
- Conducting the funeral prayer in a mosque, ideally increasing the rows to more than three.
- It is recommended for the worshipper to raise their hands with each of the four Takbirs.
- Engaging in supplications for the deceased, asking for mercy, forgiveness, steadfastness, and entry into Paradise.
Etiquette Concerning the Burial of the Deceased
When burying the deceased and upon completion of the burial, a Muslim should engage in the following actions:
- Offering admonitions and reminders to the people after the burial.
- Remaining by the grave to pray and seek forgiveness for the deceased.
- Providing comfort and solace to the bereaved family in their time of grief.
This can be done by preparing food for them, as they may be preoccupied with their loss and may neglect to prepare meals for themselves. This practice, established by the Messenger of Allah (peace be upon him), serves as a form of mutual support and companionship among Muslims.
- Offering condolences to the grieving family.
It is a Sunnah to console the family of the deceased and alleviate their sorrow by lightening their burden of grief.
Rules Governing the Funeral Prayer
The funeral prayer encompasses several regulations that should be adhered to, based on the authenticated teachings of the Prophet (peace be upon him), in order to attain rewards and blessings. These include:
- The funeral prayer is considered a collective obligation (Fard Kifayah).
It is obligatory to perform the funeral prayer for a deceased Muslim, and for a stillborn if it has reached six months of gestation, or if it is under six months but shows signs of life upon birth, such as movement. However, the prayer is not performed for a martyr in battle.
- The time for the funeral prayer begins upon washing the deceased.
The prerequisites for the prayer are similar to those for regular prayers, including covering the body, facing the Qibla, and ensuring purity of the body, clothing, and location, all while being free from major and minor impurities. The closest relatives of the deceased are given priority to lead the prayer based on their familial ties.
- The funeral prayer comprises seven essential components.
These are: standing for those who are able, having the intention, the four Takbirs, and concluding with Tasleem. It is sufficient for the worshipper to intend to perform the funeral prayer without the necessity to specify the deceased.
- The worshipper positions themselves at the head of a male deceased and at the waist of a female deceased, ensuring not to step ahead of the deceased.
- After the first Takbir, the Fatiha is recited, and seeking refuge (Ta’awudh) is recommended.
The Fatiha may be recited after any of the Takbirs, but it is preferable to do so following the first. It is not obligatory to recite a supplication of opening here.
- After the second Takbir, it is mandatory to send blessings upon the Prophet (peace be upon him).
It is vital to send blessings only after the second Takbir. The minimal prayer upon the Prophet is: “O Allah, send blessings upon Muhammad.” The more complete version is: “O Allah, send blessings upon Muhammad and upon the family of Muhammad, as You sent blessings upon Ibrahim and upon the family of Ibrahim. Indeed, You are Praiseworthy and Glorious.”
- After the third Takbir, the prayer for the deceased is obligatory.
It is not acceptable to pray for anyone other than the deceased after this Takbir, and the prayer must be sincerely for the deceased.
- Following the fourth Takbir, one should pray for oneself and for the believers.
This can be done by saying: “O Allah, do not deprive us of his reward, nor lead us astray after him. Forgive us and him,” followed by blessings upon the Prophet (peace be upon him). It is permissible to conclude without any further action after the fourth Takbir.
- Concluding with two Tasleems, one to the right and one to the left, turning slightly with each.
- The funeral prayer is valid for a deceased who is absent from the town.
This is supported by the actions of the Prophet (peace be upon him). It has been confirmed in the authentic collections that Abu Huraira (may Allah be pleased with him) reported that the Prophet (peace be upon him) announced the passing of Al-Najashi on the day he died and led the people to the prayer area, where he prayed four Takbirs for him. Therefore, praying for any absent deceased is appropriate when it is not feasible for the attendees to attend the funeral.
- The prayer can still be performed for the deceased after burial.
This is valid even after a considerable time has passed, provided that the person praying was of the age and intellect required to pray at the time of the deceased’s passing.