Hence, reciting the Qur’an over the deceased at the funeral, at the graveside, or “for the soul” of the departed is an innovation for which Allah has sent down no authority. The Muslim’s duty is to follow the Sunnah and abandon every innovation.

Secondly: Rulings that apply once death has occurred.

• When the person has died, it is recommended to close his eyes, for the Prophet ﷺ closed the eyes of Abū Salamah when he passed away and said, “When the soul is taken, the sight follows it. Therefore say nothing but good, for the angels say āmīn to what you utter,” narrated by Muslim.

• It is Sunnah to cover the body with a cloth, as ʿĀ’ishah reported: “When the Prophet ﷺ died, he was shrouded in a striped mantle,” agreed upon by al-Bukhārī and Muslim.

• Once death is confirmed, the body should be prepared without delay. The Prophet ﷺ said, “The corpse of a Muslim should not be kept among his family,” reported by Abū Dāwūd. Prompt preparation also protects the body from decomposition. Imām Aḥmad said, “Honoring the dead means hastening his burial.” There is no harm in waiting briefly for a guardian or other relative to arrive, provided he is nearby and there is no fear of the body deteriorating.