General Guidelines - Following Janaazah - Sisters
Females - Following Rules
The Prophet (peace and blessings of Allaah be upon him) said: “The duties of a Muslim towards his fellow Muslim are five: to return his greeting, visit him when he is sick, follow his funeral, accept invitations and say ‘Yarhamuk-Allaah (May Allaah have mercy on you) when he sneezes).’” Al-Bukhaari and Muslim.
All Muslim sisters attending the funeral are requested to observe the following
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Sit calmly and quietly, no worldly talk should be encouraged during the funeral process.
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Observe silence and reflect and contemplate about death and avoid words that stir up grief and lead to discontent and lack of patience that may lead to striking one’s cheeks or rending one’s garment.
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Advocate words that do no more than mention the religious commitment of the deceased and encourage the family of the deceased to be patient that he/she has moved on to the realm of recompense, and that all people will meet the same fate.
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Make du’aa for the deceased. When the du’aa’ is only between supplicator and Allaah Subhaanahu Wata’ala, a person performing it will feel more khushoo’ (humble before Allah) and will feel more sincere thus it is strongly recommended to make du’aa individually.
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Should avoid wailing, crying or weeping in a loud voice.
It is not prescribed in Islam to
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Offer any dhikr before, during or after the burial or to recite the Quraan.
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Put tombstones, headstones, flowers or other grave decorations.
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The relatives of the deceased to wear black clothes or to put candles on the grave.
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The Prophet (peace and blessings of Allaah be upon him) said: “Whoever attends the Janaazah until he offers the prayer will have one qeeraat (of reward), and whoever attends until (the deceased) is buried will have two qeeraats.” It was said, “O Messenger of Allaah, what are the two qeeraats?” He said, “Like two great mountains,” meaning, of reward. (Saheeh – agreed upon)
Abu Hurayrah (Radhiya Allaahu `Anhu) narrated I heard the Prophet of Allaah (Swalla’Allaahu alayhi wa Sallam) saying “The rights of the Muslim on the Muslims are to follow the funeral processions, to accept invitation and to reply the sneezer” (Sahih Al- Bukhaary, 023: 332)