Funerals

“Remember, as much as you can, the one thing (fact or reality) which (always) brings an end to all worldly joys and pleasures, (meaning death)”Related by At-Tirmidhi, An-Nasai and Ibn Hibban.

“None of you should wish for death due to any affliction, which might have affected him. But if he feels compelled to wish for it (due to extreme distress that he feels he cannot bear), he should say: ‘O Allah! Grant me life as long as life is better for me, and let me die when death is better for me.’ Agreed upon.”

“The believer dies while his forehead is sweating.” Related by the three Imams.

“Remind those who are on their death bed of the Shahadah ‘LaIlaha illall-ah.’ (for them to say it, hoping it will be their last words)”

“Recite Yasin (Surah no. 36), over those who are dying.” Related by Abu Dawud, An-Nasai and Ibn Hibban graded it as Sahih.

‘The Messenger of Allah (sallallahu alayhi wa sallam) came to see Abu Salamah when his sight had become fixed (with his eyes open, as he had already passed away). So the Prophet (sallallahu alayhi wa sallam), closed his eyes and said, ‘When the soul is seized and leaves the body, the sight follows it.’ Some of Abu Salamah’s family wept and wailed, whereupon the Messenger of Allah (sallallahu alayhi wa sallam) said to them, ‘Do not supplicate to Allah anything except that which is good for you (i.e. do not say anything which goes against you at that moment), because the angels (who are present at the time of death), say ‘Amin’ (asking Allah to accept your invocation) to whatever you say.’

Then he said, ‘O Allah! Forgive Abu Salamah, raise his status among (Your) rightly guided servants, make his grave spacious, and fill it with light for him, and be his successor in taking good care of his descendants whom he has left behind, (and make them pious).’ Related by Muslim.’

Aishah (RAA) narrated ‘When the Messenger of Allah (sallallahu alayhi wa sallam) died, he was covered with a Yemeni mantle that had some designs on it.’ Agreed upon.

Aishah (RAA) reported That Abu Bakr kissed the Prophet (sallallahu alayhi wa sallam) after he had died. Related by Al-Bukhari.

The Messenger of Allah (sallallahu alayhi wa sallam) said, “A believer’s soul remains suspended according to his debt until it is settled or paid off on his behalf”. Related by Ahmad and At-Tirmidhi.

The Messenger of Allah (sallallahu alayhi wa sallam) said concerning the man who fell off his mount and died during Hajj, “Wash him with water and Sidr (lotus leaves) and shroud him in his two garments (that he was wearing for Ihram).” Agreed upon.

Aishah (RAA) narrated, ‘When the Messenger of Allah (sallallahu alayhi wa sallam) died and they wanted to make Ghusl (full ritual washing of the body), they said, ‘By Allah we do not know whether we should take off the clothes of the Messenger of Allah (sallallahu alayhi wa sallam) as we do for our dead or not?’ Related by Ahmad and Abu Dawud.’

‘The Messenger of Allah (sallallahu alayhi wa sallam) came to us when we were washing his daughter (Zainab) after she had died and said, ‘Wash her three times, five times or more if necessary, with water and lotus leaves (Sidr) and apply some camphor to the last washing.’ When we finished making Ghusl for her, we informed the Messenger of Allah (sallallahu alayhi wa sallam) and he threw his Izar (a cloth, which he wore round his waist) to us and told us to wrap her in it as the first sheet of the shroud (next to her body).’

Agreed upon. In another narration, “Start by washing the organs on the right and those parts that are washed in ablution.” In the narration of Al-Bukhari, “We braided her hair in three braids and made them fall at her back.”

Aishah (RAA) narrated, ‘The Messenger of Allah (sallallahu alayhi wa sallam) was shrouded in three pieces of white Yemenite cotton sheets. They did not include either a shirt or a turban.’ Agreed upon.

Abdullah ibn Umar (RAA) narrated, ‘When Abdullah ibn Ubay (the head of the hypocrites) died, his son came to the Prophet (sallallahu alayhi wa sallam) and said, ‘O Messenger of Allah! Please give me your shirt to shroud him (his father) in it.’ So, the Messenger of Allah (sallallahu alayhi wa sallam) gave it to him, Agreed upon.’

“Wear white clothes, for they are (considered as) your best clothes, and enshroud your dead in them.” Related by the five Imams, except for An-Nasai, and At-Tirmidhi reported it to be sound.

“When one of you is in charge of shrouding his brother, he should give him the best shroud he can (i.e. clean, covering the whole body, but not necessarily expensive as this is disliked.)” Related by Muslim.

The Messenger of Allah (sallallahu alayhi wa sallam) had each two martyrs of the battle of Uhud wrapped in one shroud, and then would ask, “Which one of them knew more of the Qur’An?” He would put that one (that was pointed out) first in the grave. They were not washed and the Messenger of Allah (sallallahu alayhi wa sallam) did not offer a funeral prayer for them. Related by Al-Bukhari.

‘AIi (RAA) narrated, ‘l heard the Messenger of Allah (sallallahu alayhi wa sallam) say, ‘Do not be extravagant in shrouding (i.e. do not spend too much money on them) for it will decay quickly.’ Related by Abu Dawud.’’

Aishah (RAA) narrated that the Messenger of Allah (sallallahu alayhi wa sallam) said to her, “If you die before me, I will wash you myself.” Related by Ahmad, Ibn Majah and Ibn Hibban graded it as Sahih.

Fatimah (RAA) (the daughter of the prophet (sallallahu alayhi wa sallam) made a will that Ali (RAA) was to wash her when she dies. Related by Ad-Daraqutni.

Concerning the story of the Ghamidi woman, who was to be stoned by the order of the Prophet (sallallahu alayhi wa sallam) (due to committing adultery), ‘Then the Messenger of Allah (sallallahu alayhi wa sallam) gave his command concerning her (after her death), so he offered the funeral prayer for her, and she was then buried.’ Related by Muslim.

‘A man who killed himself with a broad-headed arrow, was brought to the Prophet (sallallahu alayhi wa sallam) but he did not offer the funeral prayer for him.’ Related by Muslim.

“Show me her grave.” They showed him her grave and he offered the funeral prayer for her. Agreed upon. Muslim added in his narration, ‘Verily, those graves are full of darkness for those buried in them. Allah, the Almighty, will illuminate them for their dwellers by my prayer over them’

The Messenger of Allah (sallallahu alayhi wa sallam) used to prohibit the announcement of anyone’s death. Related by Ahmad and At-Tirmidhi, who rendered it Hasan.

The Messenger of Allah (sallallahu alayhi wa sallam) informed the people about the death of Negus the day he died. He took them out to the place of prayer, to offer the funeral prayer for him. He arranged them in rows, and made Takbir four times. Agreed upon.

‘I heard the Messenger of Allah (sallallahu alayhi wa sallam) say, ‘If a Muslim man dies and a group of forty people, who do not associate any one with Allah, pray for him, Allah will accept their intercession for him (by way of their DuA for him.’ Related by Muslim.’

‘I offered the funeral prayer behind the Prophet (sallallahu alayhi wa sallam) for a woman who had died during child-birth and he (prayed) standing opposite the middle of her body.’ Agreed upon.

Aishah (RAA) narrated, ‘By Allah the Messenger of Allah (sallallahu alayhi wa sallam) offered funeral prayer in the mosque for the sons of Baida (Sahl and Suhail).’ Related by Muslim.

Abdur Rahman ibn Abi Laila (RAA) and ‘Zayd ibn Arqam (RAA) used to recite four Takbirat when praying over the dead, but once he said it five times, so I asked him about it. He said to me, ‘The Messenger of Allah (sallallahu alayhi wa sallam) used to do so.’ Related by Muslim and the four Imams.’

Ali ibn Abi Talib (RAA) narrated that he said six Takbirat when he prayed over Sahl ibn Hunayf, and he said (explaining his action), ‘He is one of the Companions, who fought in the Battle of Badr.’ Related by Said ibn Mansur.

The Messenger of Allah (sallallahu alayhi wa sallam) used to say four Takbirat over the dead, and would recite al-Fatihah in (after saying) the first (opening) Takbirat. Related by Ash-Shafii with a weak chain of narrators.

‘I offered a funeral prayer led by Ibn Abbas He recited al-Fatihah and said, ‘You should know that it (reciting al-Fatihah) is a Sunnah of the Prophet (sallallahu alayhi wa sallam).’ Related by Al-Bukhari.’

Auf ibn Malik (RAA) narrated that the Messenger of Allah (sallallahu alayhi wa sallam) offered the funeral prayer, and I memorized this supplication (that he said for the deceased), “‘O Allah! Forgive him and have mercy on him (on her). Grant him ease and respite. Make his resting place a noble one, and facilitate his entry. Wash him with the most pure and clean water, snow and hail.

Purify him from sins as a white garment is cleansed of dirt. Give him in exchange a home better than his home (on earth) and a family better than his family. Grant him entrance to Paradise and protect him from the trials of the grave and the torture of Hell Fire.’ Related by Muslim.”

‘When the Messenger of Allah (sallallahu alayhi wa sallam) prayed a funeral prayer, he would say, ‘O Allah! Forgive those of us who are alive, and those who are dead, those present and those absent, those who are young and those who are male and those who are female. O Allah! Let those of us to whom You have given life, live in Islam, and let those of us You take back die in a state of faith.

O Allah! Do not deprive us of our reward for (supplicating for) him, and cause us not to go astray after him.’ Related by Muslim and the four Imams.’

“If you offer the funeral prayer for a deceased person, supplicate Allah sincerely for him.” Related by Abu Dawud.

The Messenger of Allah (sallallahu alayhi wa sallam) said, “Hurry up when you carry the dead body (the janazah), for if the deceased is righteous, you would be taking it to something better, and if he or she is an evil person, then you will be getting him or her off your necks.” Agreed upon.

“Whoever accompanies the funeral (the dead body) until he performs the funeral prayer will have a reward equal to (one Qirat), and whoever accompanies the burial procession, will be doubly awarded (two Qirat).” They then asked, ‘What is meant by the two Qirat?’ He replied (sallallahu alayhi wa sallam) “Like two huge mountains.” Agreed upon. Muslim added the statement, ‘until it is buried.’

Al-Bukhari related on the authority of Abu Hurayrah, “Whoever accompanies the funeral of a Muslim, seeking the reward only from Allah, the Almighty, and he stays with it until he offers the funeral prayer and the burial is completed, will return back with two Qirat, each Qirat is equal to the mount of Uhud.”

He saw the Messenger of Allah (sallallahu alayhi wa sallam), Abu Bakr and Umar walking in front of a Funeral. Related by the five Imams, and Ibn Hibban rendered it Sahih.

‘We were forbidden to accompany funeral processions, but this prohibition was not mandatory for us.’ Agreed upon.

“Stand up when you see a funeral procession, and he who accompanies it should not sit down until the coffin is placed on the ground.” Agreed upon.

Abdullah ibn Yazid placed a dead body in the grave from the side near the foot of the grave (i.e. the end which will accommodate the feet when the body is placed in it). He then said, ‘This is the Sunnah of the Prophet (sallallahu alayhi wa sallam).’ Related by Abu Dawud.

“When you place your deceased in the grave, say, ‘In the Name of Allah, and in accordance with the tradition of the Messenger of Allah (sallallahu alayhi wa sallam).’ Related by Ahmad, Abu Dawud and An-Nasai.”

“Breaking a deceased body’s bones is exactly like breaking them when he is alive.” Related by Abu Dawud in accordance with the conditions of Muslim.

Ibn Majah added, on the authority of Umm Salamah (RAA), “with regards to it being a sin.”

Sad ibn Abi Wqqas (RAA) said (during his death illness) ‘Make a lahd for me and cover it with un-burnt bricks, as you did with the grave of the Prophet (sallallahu alayhi wa sallam).’ Related by Muslim.

Al-Baihaqi transmitted on the authority of Jabir (RAA) a similar narration and added, ‘And his grave was raised one span from the ground.’ Ibn Hibban graded it as Sahih.

The Messenger of Allah (sallallahu alayhi wa sallam) prohibited whitening a grave with plaster, to sit on it or to build over it (such as a dome). Related by Muslim.

Amir ibn RabiAh (RAA) narrated that the Messenger of Allah (sallallahu alayhi wa sallam) prayed over Uthman ibn Madhun, then went to the grave and sprinkled three handfuls of soil while he was standing. Related by Ad-Darqutni.

Uthman Ibn Affan (RAA) narrated, ‘Whenever the Messenger of Allah (sallallahu alayhi wa sallam) finished the burial of the dead, he would stand by the grave and say, ‘Seek forgiveness for your brother and pray for him to be steadfast, because he is now being questioned.’ Related by Abu Dawud. Al-Hakim graded it as Sahih.’

“There is no god but Allah”, ‘O so-and-so, say: ‘Allah is my Lord, Islam is my din (religion), and Muhammad is my prophet.’ Related by Said ibn Mansur.’

At-Tabarani Related A similar Hadith on the authority of Abu Umama on the authority of the Prophet (sallallahu alayhi wa sallam).

“I had forbidden you to visit graves, but now you may visit them.” Related by Muslim. At-Tirmidhi added the following, “It will remind you of the Here-after.”

Ibn Majah added on the authority of ibn Masud, “And they make you (i.e. the graves) renounce this worldly life.”

The Messenger of Allah (sallallahu alayhi wa sallam) cursed the women who frequently visit the graves. Related At-Tirmidhi and Ibn Hibban graded it as Sahih.

The Messenger of Allah (sallallahu alayhi wa sallam) cursed the wailing women and those who listen to them. Related by Abu Dawud.

The Messenger of Allah (sallallahu alayhi wa sallam) made us pledge that we will not wail. Agreed upon.

The Messenger of Allah (sallallahu alayhi wa sallam) said, “A dead person is tormented in his grave by the wailing for him.” Agreed upon.

Al-Bukhari and Muslim transmitted a similar narration on the authority of Al·Al-Mughirah ibn Shubah.

Anas (RAA) narrated Attended the burial of one of the daughters of the Prophet (sallallahu alayhi wa sallam) He was sitting by the side of the grave and his eyes were shedding tears. Related by Al-Bukhari.

“Do not bury your dead during the night unless you have to do so.” Related by Ibn Majah. Muslim reported a similar narration, but Jabir said in his narration, ‘The Prophet (sallallahu alayhi wa sallam) disapproved that someone is buried at night, unless the funeral prayer has been offered for him.’

“Prepare some food for the family of Jafar, for what has befallen them is keeping them preoccupied.” Related by the five lmams except for An-Nasai.

The Prophet (sallallahu alayhi wa sallam) taught us that when we visit graves we should say, “Peace be upon you, O believing men and women, O dwellers of this place. Certainly, Allah willing, we will join you. We supplicate to Allah to grant us and you well being.” Related by Muslim.

‘Once the Messenger of Allah (sallallahu alayhi wa sallam) passed by some graves in Madinah. He turned his face toward them saying, ‘Peace be upon you, O dwellers of these graves. May Allah forgive you and us. You have preceded us, and we are following your trail.’ Related by At-Tirmidhi, who graded it as Hasan.’

“Do not speak badly of the dead, they have already seen the result of (the deeds) that they sent on before them.” Related by Al·Bukhari.

At-Tirmidhi Related a similar narration on the authority of Al-Mughirah ibn Shubah, and he added, “Thus you will be offending the living (i.e. if you curse their dead).”