Laws Regarding Funeral Prayer for Children
Scholarly consensus holds that a deceased child should be washed and offered funeral prayers. The funeral prayer for a child follows the same rules as that for an adult, with one notable exception: prayers for forgiveness are not made for the child since they are considered free of sin. However, it is highly recommended to pray for the parents’ mercy and forgiveness, as stated by the Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him): “The child is to be prayed for, and the parents should be prayed for mercy and forgiveness.”
There are specific rulings regarding the funeral prayer for a child based on prophetic traditions. These rulings address various situations and provide flexibility, as follows:
- The Imam should position himself at the head of the child if it is a boy, and at the middle if the deceased is a girl.
- It is encouraged to have a larger congregation for the funeral prayer, to allow for the possibility of kissing the deceased, and it is obligatory to hasten the settlement of any debts owed by the deceased.
- The Imam is required to perform four takbirs in the funeral prayer.
It is permissible for the Imam to perform either four or five takbirs; the Prophet practiced both. Regardless of which method the Imam adopts, the prayer remains valid. However, the majority of narrations support the practice of four takbirs. Following the first takbir, the worshipper should recite Surah Al-Fatiha.
After the second takbir, the worshipper sends blessings upon the Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) similar to the Ibrahimic prayer. During the third takbir, a supplication for the deceased is made, and in the fourth takbir, they pray for themselves and all Muslims before concluding the prayer.
- It is important to expedite the funeral procession.
This is supported by the Prophet’s saying: “Hasten the funeral, for if it is righteous, it is good that you offer it to him; and if it is otherwise, it is a burden you are relieving yourselves of.”
- The burial of the deceased also has certain laws that must be observed by Muslims.
These laws should be followed in accordance with the Sunnah of the Prophet (peace be upon him). Among these directives are: avoiding burial at sunrise or sunset, and it is recommended for the person lowering the deceased into the grave to say: “In the name of Allah and upon the faith of the Messenger of Allah.” It is permitted for a woman to be buried in her grave without a mahram accompaniment.
- Crying for the deceased is allowed.
The grief experienced when losing a loved one is a natural human emotion. In God’s wisdom, this is permitted unless it escalates into bewailing or challenging divine decree. The Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) expressed sorrow upon the death of his children and wept for them, demonstrating that mourning can coexist with acceptance of God’s will.
The Rulings on Funeral Prayers After Burial and On Praying for the Absent
It is permissible to offer funeral prayers for the deceased while they are in their grave, though this should not be confused with non-obligatory or obligatory prayers. The funeral prayer may be offered if some individuals cannot pray for the deceased while the body is on the ground; they may go to the grave and perform the funeral prayer there. Prayer for the absent is also permissible, as exemplified by the Prophet who prayed for the Negus when he announced his death while praying alongside his companions.
The Reward for Patience in the Death of Children
The Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) urged his followers to practice patience in the face of calamities. Enduring the loss of a child—who is the very essence of a parent’s heart—demonstrates profound faith. God (the Exalted) promised immense rewards to those who remain steadfast through the loss of a child, reflecting His mercy and grace.