the Muslims, and burying him is prescribed by the Qur’an and the Sunnah. Allah the Exalted says, “Have We not made the earth a receptacle for the living and the dead?” and He says, “Then He caused him to die and consigned him to the grave,” meaning that He made him one who is buried. The ḥadiths concerning the burial of the deceased are numerous; it is an act of righteousness, obedience, honor for the dead, and care for him.

It is recommended to follow the bier and escort it to the grave. In the two Ṣaḥīḥ collections we read: “Whoever attends a funeral until the prayer is offered receives one qirāṭ; whoever stays until it is buried receives two qirāṭs.” It was asked, “What are the two qirāṭs?” He replied, “Like two great mountains.” Al-Bukhārī’s wording is “whoever escorts,” while Muslim’s is “whoever goes out with it and then follows it until it is buried.” All versions of the report encourage accompanying the funeral to the grave.

It is also recommended that those who accompany it share in carrying the bier whenever possible. There is no objection to transporting it by vehicle or on an animal, especially when the cemetery is far away.

Likewise, it is recommended to hasten with the funeral, based on the Prophet’s statement, peace and blessings be upon him: “Hasten with the funeral; for if it was righteous, you are sending it on to goodness, and if it was otherwise, you are putting an evil away from your necks.” Agreed upon. The haste, however, should not be excessive; those carrying and accompanying it should remain composed, and they should not raise their voices—neither with Qur’an recitation nor anything else.