However, if we hold that it is not an integral of the prayers, then it is not an integral here either. Yet sending blessings upon the Prophet, peace and blessings be upon him, occupies a significant place in this context, (1) because al-Fātiḥah is praise of Allah, sending blessings upon the Prophet, peace and blessings be upon him, is a prayer for him, and the third element is supplication. Thus, one making supplication should precede it with praise of Allah and then with sending blessings upon the Prophet, peace and blessings be upon him.

He does not explain its manner here, but he explained earlier that it is like the tashahhud. It is sufficient to say: “O Allah, send blessings upon Muhammad.”

His statement, “and a supplication for the deceased”: this too is one of the integrals, based on the Prophet’s saying, peace and blessings be upon him: “When you pray over the deceased, make the supplication for him sincere.” (2) This is because it is the very essence of this prayer; the funeral prayer was prescribed primarily in order to supplicate for the deceased.

His statement, “and the salām,” means that it is an integral. One salām is sufficient, however, as mentioned previously.

The evidence for this is the statement of Aisha—may Allah be pleased with her: “He would conclude the prayer with the salām.” (3) Although this is not apparently general in its application to the funeral prayer,