The History and Blessings of Jumu'aĥ: From the First Friday to Trimming Nails

When did our Prophet offer his first Jumu'aĥ Ṣalāĥ?

'Allāmaĥ Maulānā Sayyid Muhammad Na'īmuddīn Murādābādī عَلَيْهِ رَحْمَةُ اللّٰہِ الوالِی has said, 'When the Holy Prophet صَلَّى اللّٰہ تَعَالٰی عَلَيْهِ وَاٰلِهٖ وَسَلَّم was on his way to Madīnaĥ for migration, he stopped at a place called Qubā at the time of Chāsht on Monday, 12th Rabī'-ul-Awwal. He صَلَّى اللّٰہ تَعَالٰی عَلَيْهِ وَاٰلِهٖ وَسَلَّم stayed there for four days (Monday to Thursday); during the stay, he صَلَّى اللّٰہ تَعَالٰی عَلَيْهِ وَاٰلِهٖ وَسَلَّم laid the foundation stone of a Masjid. On Friday, he صَلَّى اللّٰہ تَعَالٰی عَلَيْهِ وَاٰلِهٖ وَسَلَّم proceeded towards Madīnaĥ. When they reached the area of the Banī Sālim Ibn 'Awf, it was time to offer the Jumu'aĥ Ṣalāĥ; people consecrated that place as Masjid where the Holy Prophet صَلَّى اللّٰہ تَعَالٰی عَلَيْهِ وَاٰلِهٖ وَسَلَّم offered the (first) Jumu'aĥ Ṣalāĥ and delivered a sermon.

(Khazāin-ul-'Irfān, pp. 884)

اَلْحَمْدُ لِلّٰہ! The glorious Masjid-ul-Jumu'aĥ still exists there; the visitors behold the Masjid for the attainment of blessings and offer Nafl Ṣalāĥ over there.

Meaning of the word 'Jumu'aĥ'

The renowned commentator of the Holy Quran, Ḥakīm-ul-Ummat Muftī Aḥmad Yār Khān عَلَيْهِ رَحْمَةُ اللّٰہِ الكَانَان has stated, 'As all the creatures assembled in their beings on this day and the completion of the creation took place on the very same day, clay for Sayyidunā Ādam عَلٰی نَبِيِّنَا وَعَلَيْهِ الصَّلٰوةُ وَالسَّلَام was also collected on this day; similarly, people congregate and perform the Friday Ṣalāĥ on this day; therefore, it is called Jumu'aĥ on account of the aforementioned reasons. Before the advent of Islam, the Arabs used to call it 'Arūbaĥ.'

(Mirāt-ul-Manājīĥ, vol. 2, pp. 317)

How many times Holy Prophet ﷺ offered Jumu'aĥ Ṣalāĥ?

A renowned commentator of the Holy Quran, Ḥakīm-ul-Ummat Muftī Aḥmad Yār Khān عَلَيْهِ رَحْمَةُ اللّٰہِ الكَانَان has stated, 'The Beloved and Blessed Rasūl صَلَّى اللّٰہ تَعَالٰی عَلَيْهِ وَاٰلِهٖ وَسَلَّم offered almost 500 Jumu'aĥ Ṣalāĥ as offering of Jumu'aĥ Ṣalāĥ commenced subsequent to the migration after which the total period of the apparent life of the Holy Prophet صَلَّى اللّٰہ تَعَالٰی عَلَيْهِ وَاٰلِهٖ وَسَلَّم is ten years and there are 500 Fridays in ten years' period.'

(Mirāĥ, vol. 2, pp. 346 – Lam'āt ish-Shaykh 'Abdul Ḥaq Dihlvī, vol. 4, pp. 190, Ḥadīš 1415)

صَلُّوْا عَلَى الْحَبِيْبِ ۞ صَلَّى اللّٰہ تَعَالٰی عَلٰی مُحَمَّد

Seal on heart

The Beloved Rasūl صَلَّى اللّٰہ تَعَالٰی عَلَيْهِ وَاٰلِهٖ وَسَلَّم has said, 'Allah عَزَّوَجَلَّ will seal off the heart of the one abandoning three Jumu'aĥ's Ṣalāĥ out of laziness.'

(Jāmi' Tirmiżī, vol. 2, pp. 38, Ḥadīš 500)

Jumu'aĥ Ṣalāĥ is Farḍ-e-'Ayn and its Farḍiyyat (obligation) is more emphatic than that of Ṣalāt-uz-Ẓuhr; the denier of its obligation is Kāfir (unbeliever).

(Durr-e-Mukhtār, vol. 3, pp. 5 – Bahār-e-Sharī'at, vol. 1, pp. 762)

Excellence of wearing 'Imāmaĥ on Friday

The Holy Prophet صَلَّى اللّٰہ تَعَالٰی عَلَيْهِ وَاٰلِهٖ وَسَلَّم said, 'Indeed, Allah عَزَّوَجَلَّ and His angels send Ṣalāt upon those who wear 'Imāmaĥ (turban) on Friday.'

(Majma'-uz-Zawāid, vol. 2, pp. 394, Ḥadīš 3075)

Cure is bestowed

Sayyidunā Ḥumayd Bin 'Abdur Raḥmān رَضِیَ اللّٰہ تَعَالٰی عَنْهُمَا has narrated via his father, 'The one who trims his nails on Friday, Allah عَزَّوَجَلَّ removes his disease and bless him with cure.'

(Muṣannaf Ibn Abī Shaybaĥ, vol. 2, pp. 65)

Protection from afflictions up to ten days

Ṣadr-ush-Sharī'aĥ Badr-uṭ-Ṭarīqaĥ 'Allāmaĥ Maulānā Muhammad Amjad 'Alī A'ẓamī عَلَيْهِ رَحْمَةُ اللّٰہِ القَوِيّ has said: It is stated in a blessed Ḥadīš that the one who trims his nails on Friday, Allah عَزَّوَجَلَّ will protect him from afflictions up to the next Friday including three more days, i.e. ten days in total. In accordance with one more narration, 'The one trimming his nails on Friday, mercy will approach (him) and (his) sins will be removed.'

(Bahār-e-Sharī'at, part 16, pp. 226 – Durr-e-Mukhtār, Rad-dul-Muḥtār, vol. 9, pp. 668-669)

A cause of reduction in sustenance

Ṣadr-ush-Sharī'aĥ Badr-uṭ-Ṭarīqaĥ 'Allāmaĥ Maulānā Muhammad Amjad 'Alī A'ẓamī عَلَيْهِ رَحْمَةُ اللّٰہِ القَوِيّ has said, 'Although it is preferable to trim nails on Friday, yet if the nails are very long; one should not wait till Friday as growing long nails is a cause of reduction in sustenance.'

(Bahār-e-Sharī'at, part 16, pp. 225)

Angels write the names of the fortunate ones

The Beloved Prophet صَلَّى اللّٰہ تَعَالٰی عَلَيْهِ وَاٰلِهٖ وَسَلَّم said, 'At the onset of the day of Friday, the angels register the names of comers at the gateway of the Masjid. They record names in chronological order. The early comer is like the one who gives Ṣadaqaĥ of a camel in the path of Allah. The next comer is like the one who gives a cow and the next one is like the donor of a sheep; then the next one is like the donor of a hen and then the next one is like the donor of an egg. When the Imām sits (to deliver the sermon), the angels close the Books of Deeds and come to listen to the sermon.'

(Ṣaḥīḥ Bukhārī, vol. 1, pp. 319, Ḥadīš 929)

The renowned commentator of the Holy Quran, Ḥakīm-ul-Ummat Muftī Aḥmad Yār Khān Na'īmī رَحْمَةُ اللّٰہِ تَعَالٰی عَلَيْه has stated, 'Some scholars have said that the angels stay (at the doors of the Masjid) from dawn whereas some other opine they stay from sunrise; the stronger opinion, however, is that they come and stay when the sun begins to decline (from zenith) because it is the instant when timing of Jumu'aĥ (Ṣalāĥ) begins.' The foregoing narration also clearly indicates that those who know the names of every comer. It is noteworthy that if 100 people enter the Masjid initially, they all would be regarded as the first-comer.

(Mirāt-ul-Manājīĥ, vol. 2, pp. 335)

The enthusiasm for offering Jumu'aĥ Ṣalāĥ in the first century

Ḥujjat-ul-Islam Sayyidunā Imām Muhammad Bin Muhammad Bin Muhammad Ghazālī عَلَيْهِ رَحْمَةُ اللّٰہِ الوالِی has said, 'During the first century, people used to proceed towards the Jāmi' Masjid at the time of Saĥrī and after Ṣalāt-ul-Fajr holding lamps in their hands for offering Ṣalāt-ul-Jumu'aĥ. There used to be so huge crowd in the streets that it would seem as if it was the day of Eid, but gradually, this spirit died out. Thus, it is said that the very first Bid'aĥ (innovation) that evolved in Islam is the abandonment of early proceeding towards the Jāmi' Masjid.

Regretfully, the Muslims do not feel ashamed that Jews proceed towards their places of worship in the early morning on Saturday and Sunday; further, seekers of worldly luxuries also head towards the marketplace in the early morning for trading and earning wealth; so, why don't the seekers of the Hereafter compete with such people!'

(Iḥyā-ul-'Ulūm, vol. 1, pp. 246)

A Masjid where Ṣalāt-ul-Jumu'aĥ is offered, is called a Jāmī' (main) Masjid.

صَلُّوْا عَلَى الْحَبِيْبِ ۞ صَلَّى اللّٰہ تَعَالٰی عَلٰی مُحَمَّد

Five Madanī Pearls on Funeral Ṣalāĥ and the Immense Blessings of Jumu'aĥ

Five Madanī pearls in relation to funeral Ṣalāĥ

1. 'So-and-so must be the Imām of my funeral Ṣalāĥ' the Shar'ī ruling about such a will

The deceased person had made a will that his funeral Ṣalāĥ should be led by so-and-so Imām or so-and-so would give him the ritual bath. This will is Bāṭil, i.e., this will is not going to waive the right of his Walī (the guardian of the deceased person). Indeed, the guardian has the authority not to lead the funeral Ṣalāĥ himself as Imām and allow the designated person to lead the funeral Ṣalāĥ.

(Bahār-e-Sharī'at, vol. 1, pp. 837; 'Ālamgīrī, vol. 1 pp. 163, etc.)

If the will is for a pious person or an Islamic scholar, the heirs should then act upon it.

2. The Imām should stand before the chest of the corpse

It is Mustaḥab (preferable) for the Imām to stand in front of the chest of the corpse; he should not be far whether the corpse is of a male or a female, an adult or a minor. This is valid when there is only one corpse for the funeral Ṣalāĥ and if there are more than one, then the Imām should stand near in front of the chest of one corpse.

(Durr-e-Mukhtār, Rad-dul-Muḥtār, vol. 3, pp. 134)

3. What if burial occurs without offering funeral Ṣalāĥ?

If the dead body is buried and even the handful of earth is thrown, now the funeral Ṣalāĥ should be offered in front of his/her grave till the dead body is not likely to be decayed, if the soil is yet to be given, then the dead body should be taken out for funeral Ṣalāĥ and buried again. There is no specific number of days for offering the funeral Ṣalāĥ in front of the grave. The variation in duration depends on various factors, such as weather, type of soil, type/condition of the dead body and its disease. The body decays quickly in summer and in winter it takes longer, quickly in wet or salty soil, and slowly in dried or unsalted soil. Similarly an obese body decays faster than the skinny one.

(Durr-e-Mukhtār, Rad-dul-Muḥtār, vol. 3, pp.134)

4. Funeral Ṣalāĥ of someone buried under the rubble

If a person died after falling into a well, or a house/building collapsed on him and the body cannot be recovered, his funeral Ṣalāĥ should be offered at the same place where he was deemed to be and if one is drowned in a river and his body could not be recovered then his funeral Ṣalāĥ cannot be offered as it is unknown whether the Muṣallī (Ṣalāĥ offering person) is in front of him (the dead body) or not.

(Rad-dul-Muḥtār, vol. 3, pp. 147)

5. Delaying the funeral Ṣalāĥ, to increase attendees

If a person dies on the day of Jumu'aĥ, his funeral procession should be finished before Ṣalāt-ul-Jumu'aĥ if it is possible to do so. Delaying the funeral Ṣalāĥ just to have more participants after Jumu'aĥ is Makrūh.

(Bahār-e-Sharī'at, vol. 1, pp. 830; Rad-dul-Muḥtār, vol. 3, pp. 173, etc.)

Make the following announcement before the funeral of an adult

The friends and relatives of the deceased are requested to pay attention please! If the deceased had ever hurt you or violated your right in his lifetime, or he has owed you anything, please forgive him, إِنْ شَاۤءَاللّٰہ عَزَّوَجَلَّ this will benefit the deceased and you will also be rewarded. Please listen carefully about the intention and the method of the funeral Ṣalāĥ. 'I make the intention to offer this funeral Ṣalāĥ, for Allah عَزَّوَجَلَّ, and supplication for this dead person, following this Imām.' If you do not remember these particular words, there is no harm as long as this intention is in the heart: 'I am offering funeral Ṣalāĥ for this deceased person.'

When the Imām says اَللّٰهُ اَكْبَر raise both your hands up to the ears, say اَللّٰهُ اَكْبَر (in a low voice) then fold them below the navel and recite Šanā. When the Imām says اَللّٰهُ اَكْبَر the second time, without raising your hands, say اَللّٰهُ اَكْبَر and recite Durūd-e-Ibrāĥīm. When the Imām says اَللّٰهُ اَكْبَر for the third time, without raising your hands, say اَللّٰهُ اَكْبَر and recite the funeral supplication of a deceased adult (or if it is the funeral of a male or female child then announce to recite the supplication for the deceased child). When the Imām says اَللّٰهُ اَكْبَر the fourth and final time, say اَللّٰهُ اَكْبَر, unfold the hands and perform Salām, right then left following the Imām as usual.

Blessings of Jumu'aĥ*

Though satan will definitely make you feel lazy, revive your faith by going through this booklet thoroughly.

Excellence of invoking Ṣalāt-'Alan-Nabī on Friday

The Prophet of Raḥmaĥ, the Intercessor of Ummaĥ, the Owner of Jannaĥ صَلَّى اللّٰہ تَعَالٰی عَلَيْهِ وَاٰلِهٖ وَسَلَّم said, 'The one who recites Ṣalāt 200 times upon me on Friday, his 200 years' sins will be forgiven.'

(Jam'-ul-Jawāmī' lis-Suyūṭī, vol. 7, pp. 199, Ḥadīš 22353)

صَلُّوْا عَلَى الْحَبِيْبِ ۞ صَلَّى اللّٰہ تَعَالٰی عَلٰی مُحَمَّد

Dear Islamic brothers! How fortunate we are as Allah عَزَّوَجَلَّ has blessed us with the favour of Jumu'a-tul-Mubārak for the sake of His Beloved Rasūl صَلَّى اللّٰہ تَعَالٰی عَلَيْهِ وَاٰلِهٖ وَسَلَّم. Regretfully, like other ordinary days, we spend even Friday heedlessly whereas it is a day of Eid, it is superior to all other days, the fire of Hell is not blazed up on Friday and the gates of Hell are not opened on Friday night. On the Day of Resurrection, Friday will be brought in the form of a bride; the fortunate Muslim dying on Friday attains the rank of martyrdom and remains safe from the torment of the grave.

A renowned commentator of the Holy Quran, Ḥakīm-ul-Ummat, Muftī Aḥmad Yār Khān has said, 'The reward of the Hajj performed on Friday is equivalent to 70 Hajj as the reward of a single virtuous deed performed on Friday is enhanced 70 times.' (As Friday is an immensely sacred day, therefore,) The punishment of a sin committed on Friday is also increased 70 times.

(Derived from Mirāĥ, vol. 2, pp. 323, 325, 336)

How words can express the excellence of Friday! By the name of Jumu'aĥ, Allah عَزَّوَجَلَّ has revealed a complete Sūraĥ that is present in the 28th part of the Holy Quran. Allah عَزَّوَجَلَّ has said in the 9th verse of Sūraĥ Al-Jumu'aĥ:

*Friday

يٰۤاَيُّهَا الَّذِيْنَ اٰمَنُوْۤا اِذَا نُوْدِيَ لِلصَّلٰوةِ مِنْ يَّوْمِ الْجُمُعَةِ فَاسْعَوْا اِلٰى ذِكْرِ اللّٰهِ وَذَرُوا الْبَيْعَ ۖ ذٰلِكُمْ خَيْرٌ لَّكُمْ اِنْ كُنْتُمْ تَعْلَمُوْنَ

O you who believe! When the call for Ṣalāĥ is given on Jumu'aĥ (Friday), then rush towards the remembrance of Allah and leave aside business; this is better for you if you know.

[Kanz-ul-Īmān (Translation of Quran)]

Funeral Rulings for Infants, the Insane & Apostates, and the Šawāb of Carrying the Bier

If one missed some part of the congregational funeral Ṣalāĥ, then…

The Masbūq (the person who has missed some of the Takbīrāt) will say his remaining Takbīrāt after the Imām has performed Salām on either side. If he suspects that the people would carry the bier up to the shoulders in case of reciting supplications, etc., he should just utter Takbīrāt and leave out the supplications, etc. If a person arrives after the fourth Takbīr, he may join the Ṣalāĥ (before the Imām performs Salām), utter Takbīr three times after Imām's Salām and then perform Salām.

(Durr-e-Mukhtār, vol. 3, pp. 136)

Funeral of an insane person or the one who committed suicide

The one who is insane from birth or became insane before reaching the age of puberty and died in the state of insanity, the supplication of a minor will be recited in his funeral Ṣalāĥ.

(Jauĥaraĥ, pp. 138; Ghunyaĥ, pp. 587)

The funeral Ṣalāĥ of the one who committed suicide will be offered.

(Durr-e-Mukhtār, vol. 3, pp. 128)

Rulings pertaining to a dead infant

If a Muslim's baby was born alive, i.e., it was alive whilst the most part of its body was out (during birth) and then died, it will be bathed, shrouded and its funeral Ṣalāĥ will be offered. Otherwise, it will be washed (ritual bath not required), wrapped in a cloth and buried. Ritual bathing, burial shroud and funeral Ṣalāĥ are not required for it according to the Sunnaĥ. If the baby's head comes out first, then 'the most part' means from head up to the chest in this case. Therefore, if the baby's head comes out and it cries but dies before coming out up to the chest, its funeral Ṣalāĥ will not be offered. If the feet come out first then 'the most part', means from feet up to the waist in this case. Whether the baby is born alive or dead or lost in miscarriage (premature birth), it should be named as it will be resurrected on the Day of Judgement.

(Durr-e-Mukhtār, Rad-dul-Muḥtār, vol. 3, pp. 152, 153; Bahār-e-Sharī'at, vol. 1, pp. 841)

Šawāb of shouldering the bier

It is stated in a blessed Ḥadīš, 'Whoever carries the bier on shoulder and walks 40 steps, 40 of his major sins will be forgiven.' It is also mentioned in a blessed Ḥadīš that the one who carries the bier on his shoulder from all four posts (of the funeral bier) will be granted ultimate forgiveness by Allah عَزَّوَجَلَّ.

(Al-Jauĥara-tun-Nayyaraĥ, vol. 1, pp. 139; Durr-e-Mukhtār, vol. 3, pp. 158, 159; Bahār-e-Sharī'at, vol. 1, pp. 823)

Method of shouldering the bier

It is an act of worship to carry the bier on the shoulder. It is a Sunnaĥ to carry the bier on the shoulder from all four corners one after the other and to walk 10 steps at each side. The complete Sunnaĥ is to first carry the bier on the shoulder from the right head side of the bier, then the right foot side, then the left head side and then the left foot side and to walk 10 steps each time thus making a total of 40 steps.

('Ālamgīrī, vol. 1, pp. 162; Bahār-e-Sharī'at, vol. 1, pp. 822)

Some people announce in the funeral procession to walk two steps each. They should instead announce, 'Carry the funeral on your shoulder from all four sides and walk 10 steps each time.'

Method of carrying the bier of a child

If a single person carries the body of a young child in his arms and the rest of the people take the child in their arms in turns, there is no harm in it.

('Ālamgīrī, vol. 1, pp. 162)

It is impermissible and forbidden for a woman to walk along the funeral procession (whether it is the funeral of the young or old).

(Bahār-e-Sharī'at, vol. 1, pp. 823; Durr-e-Mukhtār, vol. 3, pp. 162)

Rulings of returning after the funeral Ṣalāĥ

Whoever accompanied the funeral should not return home without offering the funeral Ṣalāĥ; after the Ṣalāĥ, he may return, seeking permission from the family-members of the deceased person. There is no need to ask permission for returning after the burial.

('Ālamgīrī, vol. 1, pp. 165)

Can a husband carry the bier of his wife?

The husband is allowed to carry his wife's bier on his shoulder, lower her in the grave for the burial and see her face. He is prohibited only from bathing his wife and directly touching her body (without cloth, etc., in between). A woman can bathe her husband.

(Bahār-e-Sharī'at, vol. 1, pp. 812, 813)

Shar'ī ruling of an apostate's funeral

There is the same ruling for funeral of an apostate and a disbeliever. Once a query was asked in the court of A'lā Ḥaḍrat, Imām-e-Ahl-e- Sunnat, 'Allāmaĥ Maulānā Shāĥ Imām Aḥmad Razā Khān عَلَيْهِ رَحْمَةُ اللّٰہِ الرَّحْمٰن about a person who had converted from Islam to Christianity. In reply, he عَلَيْهِ رَحْمَةُ اللّٰہِ الرَّحْمٰن writes on page-170, volume 9 of Fatāwā Razawiyyaĥ that if it was proven as per Shar'ī criteria that the dead had, Allah عَزَّوَجَلَّ forbid, changed his religion and adopted Christianity, performing his funeral Ṣalāĥ, shrouding or burying him like that for Muslims – all are absolutely Ḥarām. Allah عَزَّوَجَلَّ says in the Holy Quran:

وَلَا تُصَلِّ عَلٰۤى اَحَدٍ مِّنْـهُمْ مَّاتَ اَبَدًا وَّلَا تَقُمْ عَلٰى قَبْرِهٖ

And never offer Ṣalāĥ upon any of their dead, and never stand by his grave.

[Kanz-ul-Īmān (Translation of Quran)] (Part 10, Sūraĥ At-Taubaĥ, verse 84)

However, if those offering the funeral Ṣalāĥ were unaware of his Christianity and were considering him to be a Muslim according to what they knew, and they remained unaware till his funeral/burial, they will not be objected to; since they assumed that he was a Muslim, and as such these acts were obligatory for them. But if they were aware of his Christianity and they still performed his Ṣalāĥ and burial, then they committed an absolutely grave sin. As long as they do not repent of this sin, Ṣalāĥ in their Imāmat is invalid; however they will not be treated as apostates as they will not become disbeliever on committing that sin. Our sacred Sharī'aĥ (Islamic Sacred Law) defines a straight path; it does not like immoderation in any affair. However, if it is proven that, despite being aware of his Christianity, they did not only do so due to their ignorance or some worldly interest but also considering his Christianity worthy of respect and deserving of funeral and burial, all those having this intention will, no doubt, become apostates and disbelievers. It will be Wājib for the Muslims to consider them apostates in all matters and their company is strictly impermissible. Those who will accompany them or support them will be sinners.

(Fatāwā Razawiyyaĥ)

Allah عَزَّوَجَلَّ says in the 84th verse of Sūraĥ At-Taubaĥ of the Holy Quran:

وَلَا تُصَلِّ عَلٰۤى اَحَدٍ مِّنْـهُمْ مَّاتَ اَبَدًا وَّلَا تَقُمْ عَلٰى قَبْرِهٖ ۗ اِنَّهُمْ كَفَرُوْا بِاللّٰهِ وَرَسُوْلِهٖ وَمَاتُوْا وَهُمْ فٰسِقُوْنَ

And never offer Ṣalāĥ upon any of their dead, and never stand by his grave. No doubt, they denied Allah and His Messenger, and died while they were in transgression (infidelity).

[Kanz-ul-Īmān (Translation of Quran)] (Part 10, Sūraĥ At-Taubaĥ, verse 84)

Commenting on the above-mentioned verse, Ṣadr-ul-Afāḍil, 'Allāmaĥ Maulānā Sayyid Muhammad Na'īmuddīn Murādābādī عَلَيْهِ رَحْمَةُ اللّٰہِ الوالِی says, 'This verse has made it clear, that the funeral Ṣalāĥ of a disbeliever is not permissible at all and it is forbidden to stand beside the grave of a disbeliever for burial or to visit.'

(Khazāin-ul-'Irfān, pp. 241)

It is reported by Sayyidunā Jābir Bin 'Abdullāĥ رَضِیَ اللّٰہ تَعَالٰی عَنْهُ that the Beloved and Blessed Prophet صَلَّى اللّٰہ تَعَالٰی عَلَيْهِ وَاٰلِهٖ وَسَلَّم said, 'If they fall ill, don't go to see them, if they die, don't participate in their funeral.'

(Sunan Ibn Mājaĥ, vol. 1, pp. 70, Ḥadīš 92)

The Complete Method of Funeral Ṣalāĥ (Ḥanafī): History, Fundamentals & Rulings

What to recite on seeing a funeral!

After the death of Sayyidunā Mālik Bin Anas رَضِیَ اللّٰہ تَعَالٰی عَنْهُمَا, someone saw him in a dream and asked, 'How did Allah عَزَّوَجَلَّ treat you?' He رَضِیَ اللّٰہ تَعَالٰی عَنْه replied, 'I was blessed with forgiveness just because of a sentence which Sayyidunā 'Uśmān-e-Ghanī رَضِیَ اللّٰہ تَعَالٰی عَنْه used to say on seeing a funeral: سُبْحَٰنَ الْحَيِّ الَّذِيْ لَا يَمُوْت [Pure is He (from all defects/limitations) who is alive and will never die]. Hence, I also used to recite the same sentence on seeing a funeral; Allah عَزَّوَجَلَّ forgave me because of reciting it.'

(Derived from: Iḥyā-ul-'Ulūm, vol. 5, pp. 266)

Whose funeral Ṣalāĥ was offered first by the Beloved Prophet ﷺ?

The funeral Ṣalāĥ was first initiated in the era of Sayyidunā Ādam Ṣafiyullāĥ عَلٰی نَبِيِّنَا وَعَلَيْهِ الصَّلٰوةُ وَالسَّلَام, angels recited four 'Takbīrāt' in the blessed funeral prayer of Sayyidunā Ādam Ṣafiyullāĥ عَلٰی نَبِيِّنَا وَعَلَيْهِ الصَّلٰوةُ وَالسَّلَام. In Islam, the order for the funeral Ṣalāĥ becoming mandatory (Wājib) was revealed in Madīnaĥ Munawwaraĥ دَارُ اللّٰہ شَرَفًا وَتَعْظِيْمًا. Sayyidunā As'ad Bin Zurāraĥ رَضِیَ اللّٰہ تَعَالٰی عَنْه passed away at the end of the ninth month after Ĥijraĥ and he رَضِیَ اللّٰہ تَعَالٰی عَنْه was the first companion whose funeral Ṣalāĥ was performed by the Holy Prophet صَلَّى اللّٰہ تَعَالٰی عَلَيْهِ وَاٰلِهٖ وَسَلَّم.

(Derived from Fatāwā Razawiyyaĥ - referenced, vol. 5, pp. 375-376)

The funeral Ṣalāĥ is Farḍ-e-Kifāyaĥ

The funeral Ṣalāĥ is Farḍ-e-Kifāyaĥ, i.e., if even a single person offered it, everyone would be relieved of the obligation; if no one offered it, all those who were aware of it will be sinners. Jamā'at (congregation) is not a condition for this Ṣalāĥ; if even one person offered, the Farḍ will be fulfilled. The denial of its Farḍiyyat (obligation) is Kufr (infidelity).

(Bahār-e-Sharī'at, vol. 1, pp. 825; 'Ālamgīrī, vol. 1, pp. 162; Durr-e-Mukhtār, vol. 3, pp. 120)

There are two fundamentals and three Sunnaĥs in the funeral prayer

The two fundamentals are: (1) To recite 'اَللّٰهُ اَكْبَرُ' four times (2) Qiyām (to stand). The three Sunan-e-Muakkadaĥ are: (1) Šanā (2) Ṣalāt-'Alan-Nabī (3) Supplication for the deceased.

(Bahār-e-Sharī'at, vol. 1, pp. 829)

Method of funeral Ṣalāĥ (Ḥanafi)

The Muqtadī should make the following intention: 'I make the intention of offering this funeral Ṣalāĥ for Allah عَزَّوَجَلَّ and making supplication (Du'ā) for this dead person, following this Imām.'

(Fatāwā Tātār Khāniyaĥ, vol. 2, pp. 153)

Now the Imām and the Muqtadīs should raise their hands up to their ears and fold them below the navel as usual whilst saying اَللّٰهُ اَكْبَر, and then recite Šanā. After 'وَتَعَالٰی جَدُّكَ,' read 'وَجَلَّ ثَنَاۤؤُكَ وَلَا اِلٰهَ غَيْرُكَ.' Then, without raising the hands, say اَللّٰهُ اَكْبَر and recite Durūd-e-Ibrāĥīm. Without raising the hands again, say اَللّٰهُ اَكْبَر and now recite the supplication (the Imām should say the Takbīrāt loudly whilst the Muqtadīs should do the same in a low voice. Both the Imām and Muqtadīs should recite the remaining invocations in a low voice).

After the supplication, say اَللّٰهُ اَكْبَر, unfold the hands and perform Salām on both sides. During the Salām, the intention should be made for the deceased person, for angels and for the participants of the Ṣalāĥ, same as in the Salām of other Ṣalāĥs; the only difference here is the addition of the intention for the deceased person as well.

(Bahār-e-Sharī'at, vol. 1, pp. 829, 835)

Supplication for funeral of adults (man and woman)

اَللّٰهُمَّ اغْفِرْ لِحَيِّنَا وَمَيِّتِنَا وَشَاهِدِنَا وَغَاۤئِبِنَا وَصَغِيْرِنَا وَكَبِيْرِنَا وَذَكَرِنَا وَاُنْثَانَا اَللّٰهُمَّ مَنْ اَحْيَيْتَهٗ مِنَّا فَاَحْيِهٖ عَلَى الْاِسْلَامِ وَمَنْ تَوَفَّيْتَهٗ مِنَّا فَتَوَفَّهٗ عَلَى الْاِيْمَانِ

O Allah (عَزَّوَجَلَّ)! Forgive all of our living ones and all the dead ones, and all those who are present and all those who are not present, and all our young ones and all our elderly ones, and all our men and all our women. Yā Allah (عَزَّوَجَلَّ)! Whomever you keep alive from among us, keep him alive in Islam, and whomever of us you make die, make him die with faith.

(Al-Mustadrak lil-Ḥākim, vol. 1, pp. 684, Ḥadīš 1366)

Du'ā for a male minor

اَللّٰهُمَّ اجْعَلْهُ لَنَا فَرَطًا وَّاجْعَلْهُ لَنَا اَجْرًا وَّذُخْرًا وَّاجْعَلْهُ لَنَا شَافِعًا وَّمُشَفَّعًا

O Allah (عَزَّوَجَلَّ)! Make him a fore-runner to become a support for us, and make him a recompense for us, and make him our intercessor, and the one whose intercession is accepted.

(Kanz-ud-Daqāiq, pp. 52)

Du'ā for a female minor

اَللّٰهُمَّ اجْعَلْهَا لَنَا فَرَطًا وَّاجْعَلْهَا لَنَآ اَجْرًا وَّذُخْرًا وَّاجْعَلْهَا لَنَا شَافِعَةً وَّمُشَفَّعَةً

O Allah (عَزَّوَجَلَّ)! Make her a fore-runner to become a support for us, and make her a recompense for us, and make her our intercessor, and the one whose intercession is accepted.

To offer funeral Ṣalāĥ whilst standing upon shoes

In case of offering the funeral Ṣalāĥ whilst wearing shoes, the shoes as well as the part of the earth beneath them must be pure, while, in case of offering the Ṣalāĥ placing the feet upon the shoes having taken them off, the purity of the sole of the shoes and the ground is not necessary. In reply to a question, A'lā Ḥaḍrat, Imām-e-Ahl-e-Sunnat, Maulānā Shāĥ Imām Aḥmad Razā Khān عَلَيْهِ رَحْمَةُ اللّٰہِ الرَّحْمٰن says, 'If the place was impure due to urine, etc., or those who offered the Ṣalāĥ wearing such shoes whose soles were not pure, their Ṣalāĥ would not be valid. It is, therefore, safer to offer the funeral Ṣalāĥ by taking the shoes off and place the feet upon them so that the Ṣalāĥ would not be affected even if the sole of the shoes or the earth is impure.'

(Fatāwā Razawiyyaĥ, vol. 9, pp. 188)

Funeral Ṣalāĥ in absentia

Presence of the corpse in front is necessary. Offering funeral Ṣalāĥ in absence of the corpse is not valid. It is Mustaḥab for the Imām to stand in front of the chest of the corpse.

(Durr-e-Mukhtār, vol. 3, pp. 123, 134)

Method of offering joint Ṣalāĥ for more than one funeral

Ṣalāĥ of several funerals may be offered jointly. It is optional to either place the corpses parallel such that chest of all remain in front of the Imām or place them in a queue such that the feet of the one corpse are towards head of the other, and so on.

(Bahār-e-Sharī'at, vol. 1, pp. 839; 'Ālamgīrī, vol. 1, pp. 165)

How many rows should there be in a funeral Ṣalāĥ?

It is better to have three Ṣafs (rows) in the funeral Ṣalāĥ as it is mentioned in a blessed Ḥadīš, 'The one whose (funeral) Ṣalāĥ was offered by three Ṣafs, he will be forgiven.' If there are only 7 people, one should become Imām, three should stand in the first Ṣaf, two in the second Ṣaf and one in the third Ṣaf. (Ghunyaĥ, pp. 588) In the funeral Ṣalāĥ, the last Ṣaf is most excellent than all other Ṣafs.

(Durr-e-Mukhtār, vol. 3, pp. 131)