General Guidelines - Following Janaazah - Brothers
Males - Following Funeral
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)
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Muslims attending Janaazah are obliged to observe the following to be able to obtain the above mentioned reward.
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Walk calmly, quietly and should avoid crowding or pushing others who are carrying the coffin.
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It is strictly prohibited to sit, lean or step over a grave.
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Observe silence and reflect and contemplate about death
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Make du’aa for the deceased and the rest of the Muslims. The Sunnah for the one who wants to offer du’aa for the deceased after he has been buried and the soil has been levelled over him is to offer du’aa whilst standing on their own individually. There is no specific du’aa and can be supplicated in any language.
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It is preferable that each one of those present share in the burial by pouring three handfuls of soil to the grave.
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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: “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
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)