Chapter on Funeral Regulations

Our Sacred Law—praise be to Allah—is complete and all-embracing, securing human welfare both during life and after death. Part of that perfection is the body of rulings Allah has laid down for funerals, beginning with illness and the throes of death and ending with the interment of the deceased in his grave. These rulings cover visiting the sick, prompting him with the declaration of faith, washing the body, enshrouding it, performing the funeral prayer, and burial, as well as what follows: settling the deceased’s debts, executing his bequests, distributing his estate, and undertaking guardianship of his minor children.

Imam Ibn al-Qayyim (d. 751 AH) said: “The Prophet’s ﷺ guidance concerning funerals was the most perfect guidance, distinct from that of all other nations. It combined the fullest realization of servitude to Allah the Exalted with benevolence toward the deceased, treating him in ways that benefit him in his grave and on the Day he returns: visiting him, prompting him with the testimony of faith, cleansing him, and preparing him for Allah in the best and noblest manner. They would then stand in rows at his bier, praising and extolling Allah, invoking blessings upon His Prophet Muhammad ﷺ, and seeking forgiveness, mercy, and pardon for the deceased. After that they would stand at his grave, asking that he be made steadfast, and then visiting his grave,