one pole on his right hand and another on his left hand. Yet there is no doubt that this is burdensome for the bearer, especially if the funeral is heavy.

They cited as evidence that the Prophet ﷺ carried the bier of Sa‘d ibn Mu‘adh between the two poles. (1)

What appears correct to me in this matter is that there is flexibility, and that one should do what is easiest and not burden himself. Carrying it from all four sides may sometimes be difficult when there are many people accompanying the funeral, in which case he causes hardship to himself and others.

As for carrying it between the two poles, that too is difficult, unless there are two poles close together, such that each pole rests upon one shoulder; in that case, it may be easy.

This applies when the deceased is carried on a bier. If the deceased is small, however, he may be carried in the hands, provided that this does not cause difficulty.

Issue: Should a canopy be placed over the bier or not?

A canopy is like a tent: curved wooden rods are placed on the bier, and a covering is placed over them.

The answer is: if the deceased is female, then yes. Many scholars have considered it recommended, because it affords her greater concealment.

Al-Bayhaqi, may Allah have mercy on him, mentioned that Fatimah, the daughter of Muhammad ﷺ, instructed that this be done. (2) Another report differs from this. (3)

This is practiced in the Hijaz, but it is not known in Najd. If someone were to do it, he would be doing well, and no objection should be made to him, for some