one should deny it. Al-Ṣanʿānī remarks in Subul al-Salām that this practice is supported by narrations in the chapter transmitted from nine Companions. The claim that praying at the grave was an act exclusive to the Prophet ﷺ cannot stand, for alleging exclusivity runs counter to the default principle.

2. It is recommended to inform the relatives of the deceased, his friends, and anyone connected with him of his passing, and this does not fall under the forbidden kind of obituary proclamation.

3. The report displays the Prophet’s ﷺ humility and gentleness toward his community: he looked after their affairs, fulfilled their rights, and cared for their interests in both religion and worldly life. Anyone entrusted with the affairs of Muslims should take him as a model.

4. The ḥadith affirms that graves can be dark and that Allah may illuminate them— a truth established by other proofs as well.

5. It also proves the blessing inherent in the Prophet ﷺ and in his supplication, which Allah makes a means of enlightening the graves of those for whom he prays. Here “supplication” refers specifically to the funeral prayer, for he ﷺ did not pray over every deceased person.

6. The narration forbids belittling any Muslim, whatever his standing or position among the believers may be.

7. It highlights the merit of caring for and cleaning the mosques. Allah the Exalted said, “Purify My House,” and the report on the presentation of deeds states: “Even the mote a person removes from the mosque.” In the ḥadith recorded by Abū Dāwūd (455), “The Prophet ﷺ ordered that mosques be built within the neighborhoods and that they be kept clean and perfumed.”

8. Performing the funeral prayer at the grave or over the bier is an exception to the general prohibition of praying inside cemeteries or facing them.

9. Supplication benefits the dead, whether during the funeral prayer or outside it.

10. The Prophet ﷺ does not possess the power to bring benefit or avert harm for anyone. Had he possessed any part of the affair, he would have benefited them without the need for supplication. Rather, Allah honors him by accepting his prayers for whomever He wills to bless among His creation.