Funeral Rites In Islam BY Dr. Abu Ameenah Bilal Philips

1. Part – 10Part – 10
of the seriesof the series
The Funeral Rites in IslamThe Funeral Rites in Islam
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2. Salaatul-Janaazah, like the five dailySalaatul-Janaazah, like the five daily
compulsory prayers, must be performedcompulsory prayers, must be performed
in congregation. This was the only way in whichin congregation. This was the only way in which
the Prophet (SAS) and his companion did it andthe Prophet (SAS) and his companion did it and
the Prophet (SAS) said,the Prophet (SAS) said,
““Pray as you saw me pray.”Pray as you saw me pray.”
Sahih Al-Bukhari, vol.1, p.345, no.604.Sahih Al-Bukhari, vol.1, p.345, no.604.
The only exception to this rule was in the case ofThe only exception to this rule was in the case of
the funeral prayer for the Prophet (SAS) inthe funeral prayer for the Prophet (SAS) in
which the Prophet’s companions all prayedwhich the Prophet’s companions all prayed
separately due to the uniqueness of the situationseparately due to the uniqueness of the situation
and their state of confusion at the time.and their state of confusion at the time.

3. Three Rows:Three Rows: It is preferable that those behind theIt is preferable that those behind the
Imaam form at least three rows, as this was the SunnahImaam form at least three rows, as this was the Sunnah
when the number was insufficient to fill the masjid.when the number was insufficient to fill the masjid.
Aboo Umaamah reported that the Prophet (SAS) ledAboo Umaamah reported that the Prophet (SAS) led
the salaahthe salaah forfor the dead along with seven people and hethe dead along with seven people and he
made them form three rows, two of which had twomade them form three rows, two of which had two
people in them.people in them.
Ahkaamul-Janaaiz, p.99 with support of following hadeeth.Ahkaamul-Janaaiz, p.99 with support of following hadeeth.
Maalik ibn Hubayrah also reported that theMaalik ibn Hubayrah also reported that the
Prophet (SAS) said,Prophet (SAS) said,
““Any Muslim who dies and three rows of MuslimsAny Muslim who dies and three rows of Muslims
make salaah for him, will bemake salaah for him, will be forgiven.”forgiven.”
23 Sunan Abu Dawud, vol.2, p.899 no.3160 and Mishkat Al-Masabih, vol.1, pp. 353-4. This is authentic as a saying
of the Sahaabee and not as the Prophet’s saying. See Da‘eef Sunan AbooDaawood, pp.320-1, no.695 and Da‘eef Ibn
Maajah. p.113 no.327. Also see Ahkaamul-Janaa’iz,p.100.

4. Two Men:Two Men: If there is only one man besides theIf there is only one man besides the
Imaam, he should pray behind the Imaam andImaam, he should pray behind the Imaam and
not beside him as in the case of all othernot beside him as in the case of all other
salaahs.salaahs.
‘‘Abdullaah ibn Abee Talhah reported thatAbdullaah ibn Abee Talhah reported that
Aboo Talhah called for the Allaah’sAboo Talhah called for the Allaah’s
Messenger (SAS) when ‘Umayr Ibn AbeeMessenger (SAS) when ‘Umayr Ibn Abee
Talhah died. The Messenger of Allaah (SAS)Talhah died. The Messenger of Allaah (SAS)
came and madecame and made salaah for him in their house.salaah for him in their house.
Allaah’s Messenger (SAS)Allaah’s Messenger (SAS) stepped forward andstepped forward and
Aboo Talhah stood behind him, and UmmAboo Talhah stood behind him, and Umm
Sulaym stood behind Aboo Talhah. There wasSulaym stood behind Aboo Talhah. There was
no one else there with them.no one else there with them.
Collected by al-Bayhaqee, al-Haakim and at-Tabaraanee and authenticated inCollected by al-Bayhaqee, al-Haakim and at-Tabaraanee and authenticated in Ahkaamul-Ahkaamul-Janaa’iz, p.100.Janaa’iz, p.100.

5. The Imaam:The Imaam: The Ameer or his assistant hasThe Ameer or his assistant has
more right to lead the funeral prayer than themore right to lead the funeral prayer than the
deceased’sdeceased’s waleewalee..(Nearest male relative.)(Nearest male relative.)
Aboo Haazim said, “Verily I was presentAboo Haazim said, “Verily I was present
on the day of al-Hasan ibn ‘Alee’s death and Ion the day of al-Hasan ibn ‘Alee’s death and I
heard al-Husayn ibn ‘Alee say to Sa‘eed ibnheard al-Husayn ibn ‘Alee say to Sa‘eed ibn
al-‘Aas,al-‘Aas, ( Sa‘eed ibn al-‘Aas was the Ameer of al-Madeenah at that time. He was a Sahaabee and( Sa‘eed ibn al-‘Aas was the Ameer of al-Madeenah at that time. He was a Sahaabee and
one ofone of
those who wrote out copies of the ‘Uthmaanee Qur’aan.)those who wrote out copies of the ‘Uthmaanee Qur’aan.) “Go forward [and lead“Go forward [and lead
thethe salaah] for, if it was not [insalaah] for, if it was not [in accordance withaccordance with
the]the] Sunnah, I wouldn’t have put you forward.”Sunnah, I wouldn’t have put you forward.”
He said thatHe said that because there was some ill feelingbecause there was some ill feeling
between them.between them.
Collected by al-Bayhaqee and authenticated inCollected by al-Bayhaqee and authenticated in Ahkaamul-Janaa’iz, pp.100-01.Ahkaamul-Janaa’iz, pp.100-01.

6. If neither the Ameer nor his representative is present,If neither the Ameer nor his representative is present,
the one who has memorized the most Qur’aan shouldthe one who has memorized the most Qur’aan should
lead the funeral prayer, even if he is a child. ‘Amr ibnlead the funeral prayer, even if he is a child. ‘Amr ibn
Salamah reported that when a delegation from hisSalamah reported that when a delegation from his
tribe, which had come to the Prophet (SAS), preparedtribe, which had come to the Prophet (SAS), prepared
to leave they asked, “O Messenger of Allaah, whoto leave they asked, “O Messenger of Allaah, who
should lead us inshould lead us in salaah?” He replied, “The one who hassalaah?” He replied, “The one who has
memorized the most Qur’aan.” Since none of the tribe hadmemorized the most Qur’aan.” Since none of the tribe had
memorized more than me, they put mememorized more than me, they put me forward - evenforward - even
though I was only a youth [of six or seven at the time].though I was only a youth [of six or seven at the time].
This addition found inThis addition found in Sahih Al Bukhari, vol.5, pp.413-4, no.595.Sahih Al Bukhari, vol.5, pp.413-4, no.595. Whenever I wasWhenever I was
present at a gathering, I was made the Imaam and Ipresent at a gathering, I was made the Imaam and I
have lead thehave lead the salaah on their dead until today.”salaah on their dead until today.”
Sunan Abu Dawud,vol.1, p.155, no.587 and authenticated in Saheeh Sunan Abee Daawood,Sunan Abu Dawud,vol.1, p.155, no.587 and authenticated in Saheeh Sunan Abee Daawood, vol.1, p.117, no.548.vol.1, p.117, no.548.

7. A Number of Dead:A Number of Dead: If there are a number of dead people,If there are a number of dead people,
a singlea single Salaatul- Janaazah can be made for all of them.Salaatul- Janaazah can be made for all of them.
However, if there are males andHowever, if there are males and females,females, the female bodiesthe female bodies
are placed in front of the Imaam and the males behind theare placed in front of the Imaam and the males behind the
Imaam even if they were young children.Imaam even if they were young children. Naafi‘ reportedNaafi‘ reported
that Ibn ‘Umar led the funeral prayer for nine deadthat Ibn ‘Umar led the funeral prayer for nine dead
Muslims, the dead males behind him and the women inMuslims, the dead males behind him and the women in
front of him in one row. When the bier of Umm Kulthoomfront of him in one row. When the bier of Umm Kulthoom
bint ‘Aleebint ‘Alee (Also the wife of ‘Umar ibn al-Khattaab.)(Also the wife of ‘Umar ibn al-Khattaab.) and her son Zayd wasand her son Zayd was
brought together and the youth was placed behind thebrought together and the youth was placed behind the
Imaam, he disputed it and looked to Ibn ‘Abbaas,Imaam, he disputed it and looked to Ibn ‘Abbaas,
Aboo Hurayrah, Aboo Sa‘eed and Aboo Qataadah andAboo Hurayrah, Aboo Sa‘eed and Aboo Qataadah and
asked, “What is this?” They replied, “It is the Sunnah.”asked, “What is this?” They replied, “It is the Sunnah.”
Collected by an-Nasaa’ee, al-Bayhaqee and ad-Daaraqutnee. See alsoCollected by an-Nasaa’ee, al-Bayhaqee and ad-Daaraqutnee. See also Sunan Abu Dawud,Sunan Abu Dawud, vol.2, p.906, no.3187 andvol.2, p.906, no.3187 and
authenticated inauthenticated in Saheeh Sunan Abee Daawood, vol.2, pp.614-5,Saheeh Sunan Abee Daawood, vol.2, pp.614-5, no.2734.no.2734.

8. It is also allowable thatIt is also allowable that Salaatul-Janaazah beSalaatul-Janaazah be
performed on each personperformed on each person individually as this wasindividually as this was
also done on occasion by the Prophet (SAS) and italso done on occasion by the Prophet (SAS) and it
is theis the original practice.original practice.
Ibn ‘Abbaas said: When Allaah’s Messenger (SAS) cameIbn ‘Abbaas said: When Allaah’s Messenger (SAS) came
accross Hamzah, he asked for him and his body wasaccross Hamzah, he asked for him and his body was
prepared and placed in the direction of Makkah. He thenprepared and placed in the direction of Makkah. He then
prayed the funeral prayer using nineprayed the funeral prayer using nine takbeers. Then thetakbeers. Then the
bodies of the otherbodies of the other martyrs were brought. Each martyr’smartyrs were brought. Each martyr’s
body was placed beside Hamzah’s body, one at a time,body was placed beside Hamzah’s body, one at a time,
and he prayed for each along with Hamzah’s body untiland he prayed for each along with Hamzah’s body until
hehe completed seventy-two funeral prayers.completed seventy-two funeral prayers.
Collected by at-Tabaraanee inCollected by at-Tabaraanee in Al-Kabeer, vol.3, pp.107-8 and authenticated in Ahkaamul-Al-Kabeer, vol.3, pp.107-8 and authenticated in Ahkaamul- Janaa’iz, pp.104-5.Janaa’iz, pp.104-5.

9. C. Location of the PrayerC. Location of the Prayer
According to the practice of the ProphetAccording to the practice of the Prophet
(SAS), there are two locations where the(SAS), there are two locations where the
funeral prayer may be held; inside the masjidfuneral prayer may be held; inside the masjid
or outside the masjid at a prayeror outside the masjid at a prayer placeplace
reserved for it.reserved for it.

10. 1. Inside the Masjid1. Inside the Masjid
‘‘Abbaad, the son of ‘Abdillaah ibn az-Zubayr, related thatAbbaad, the son of ‘Abdillaah ibn az-Zubayr, related that
‘Aa’ishah [and the Prophet’s wives]‘Aa’ishah [and the Prophet’s wives] requested that the bierrequested that the bier
of Sa‘d ibn Abee Waqqaas be brought to the masjid so thatof Sa‘d ibn Abee Waqqaas be brought to the masjid so that
they could also pray for him. [Those carrying the bierthey could also pray for him. [Those carrying the bier
brought it and placed it in front of their apartmentsbrought it and placed it in front of their apartments( The doors of( The doors of
the apartments of the Prophet’s wives opened into the masjid).the apartments of the Prophet’s wives opened into the masjid). and they offered prayerand they offered prayer
for him. When the people heard about it, they began tofor him. When the people heard about it, they began to
criticize them and say that it wascriticize them and say that it was Bid‘ah (innovation) andBid‘ah (innovation) and
that the bier shouldn’t be taken into the masjid.that the bier shouldn’t be taken into the masjid. WhenWhen
‘Aa’ishah heard that,]‘Aa’ishah heard that,] (This addition is in(This addition is in Sahih Muslim, vol.2, pp.460-1, no.2124.)Sahih Muslim, vol.2, pp.460-1, no.2124.) sheshe
said, “How quickly people have forgotten that Allaah’ssaid, “How quickly people have forgotten that Allaah’s
Messenger (SAS) only prayed for Suhayl ibn Baydaa [andMessenger (SAS) only prayed for Suhayl ibn Baydaa [and
his brother]his brother] This addition is inThis addition is in Sahih Muslim, vol.2, p.461, no.2125.Sahih Muslim, vol.2, p.461, no.2125. inside the masjid.”inside the masjid.”
Reported by ‘Aa’ishah and collected inReported by ‘Aa’ishah and collected in Sahih Muslim, vol.2, pp.460, no.2123, Sunan AbuSahih Muslim, vol.2, pp.460, no.2123, Sunan Abu Dawud, vol.2, p.905, no.3183,Dawud, vol.2, p.905, no.3183,
Sunan Ibn-i-Majah, vol.2, p.404, no.1518, Muwatta , pp.108-9,Sunan Ibn-i-Majah, vol.2, p.404, no.1518, Muwatta , pp.108-9, no.534 andno.534 and Mishkat Al-Masabih,, vol.1, p.348.Mishkat Al-Masabih,, vol.1, p.348.

11. 2. Outside the Masjid2. Outside the Masjid
It is however preferable to have a placeIt is however preferable to have a place
((musallaa) set aside for the funeralmusallaa) set aside for the funeral prayerprayer
outside the masjid as this was the usualoutside the masjid as this was the usual
practice of the Prophet (SAS).practice of the Prophet (SAS).
Aboo Hurayrah reported that when Allaah’sAboo Hurayrah reported that when Allaah’s
Messenger (SAS) announced to them theMessenger (SAS) announced to them the
death of the ruler (death of the ruler (najaashee) of Ethiopia on thenajaashee) of Ethiopia on the
day on which he died, heday on which he died, he said: “said: “Ask forgivenessAsk forgiveness
for your brother,” and had them line up in rows atfor your brother,” and had them line up in rows at
the musallaa and prayed for him using fourthe musallaa and prayed for him using four
takbeeres.takbeeres.
Sahih Al-Bukhari, vol.2, p.191, no.337, Sahih Muslim, vol.2, p.452, no.2077, Sunan Abu Dawud, vol.2, p.911,Sahih Al-Bukhari, vol.2, p.191, no.337, Sahih Muslim, vol.2, p.452, no.2077, Sunan Abu Dawud, vol.2, p.911,
no.3198, Sunan Ibn-i-Majah, vol.2, p.412, no.1534, Mishkat Al-Masabih,no.3198, Sunan Ibn-i-Majah, vol.2, p.412, no.1534, Mishkat Al-Masabih, vol.1, p.348 andvol.1, p.348 and Muwatta , p.107, no.526.Muwatta , p.107, no.526.

12. ‘‘Abdullaah ibn ‘Umar also reported that theAbdullaah ibn ‘Umar also reported that the
Jews came to the Prophet (SAS) with a manJews came to the Prophet (SAS) with a man
and woman who had committed adultery soand woman who had committed adultery so
he ordered that they be stoned near the placehe ordered that they be stoned near the place
for funeral (prayers) beside the masjid.”for funeral (prayers) beside the masjid.”
Sahih Al-Bukhari, vol.2, pp231-2, no.413.
3. Between the Graves3. Between the Graves
It is forbidden for theIt is forbidden for the Salaatul-JanaazahSalaatul-Janaazah to beto be
performed for the dead between the graves accordingperformed for the dead between the graves according
to the hadeeth narrated by Anas ibn Maalik into the hadeeth narrated by Anas ibn Maalik inwhichwhich
he said:he said: “The Prophet (SAS) forbade the performance“The Prophet (SAS) forbade the performance
of theof the salaah for the dead in betweensalaah for the dead in between
the graves.”the graves.”
Collected by at-Tabaraanee and authenticated in Ahkaamul-Janaa’iz, p.108, no.72.

13. CHAPTER FOUR: FUNERAL PRAYER
Insha'Allah to be continuedInsha'Allah to be continued
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D. The Method of PrayerD. The Method of Prayer