Preparing for Death (Part 5)

Question: What is the proper method for transporting the funeral bier – on the shoulders or in a vehicle? Answer: The answer is found in the hadith of Abu Huraira (may Allāh be pleased with him), in which the Prophet ﷺ said: "Hasten with the funeral; if it is righteous, you are presenting it in the best way. If it is otherwise, then you are putting down a burden from your neck." [Al-Bukhari and Muslim] The Prophet ﷺ also said: "When the funeral is laid down and carried by men on their shoulders, if it is righteous, it says: ‘Bring me forward, bring me forward.’ And if it is otherwise, it says: ‘Woe to her! Where are you taking me?’ Its voice is heard by everything; if a human were to hear it, he would ascend." The principle, therefore, is that a funeral bier should be carried on the shoulders and necks. This way, the one who carries it and participates in the funeral procession is reminded of the Hereafter. Carrying it in a vehicle or on a cart is not prescribed except in cases of necessity, because this goes against the Sunnah. It is also a practice associated with the disbelievers, and we have been prohibited from imitating them. Exceptions are only allowed in cases of necessity, such as: - When the cemetery is far, - Extreme heat, - When there are no people available to carry it, - Rain occurs, or - The deceased is very large and heavy, making it impossible to carry. In these situations, carrying the funeral bier by other means is permissible. ------ Question: Is there any prescribed dhikr (remembrance) to be recited while following and carrying a funeral bier, such as saying “La ilaha illallah” or other phrases? Answer: There is no prescribed dhikr to be said when following the funeral. The person accompanying the funeral should instead reflect upon the deceased’s fate and remember that one day he himself will be carried in a similar manner. As for what some common people habitually do—such as loudly repeating “La ilaha illallah”—this is not prescribed. It is an innovation that the pious predecessors did not practice. The funeral should be carried with calmness and reflection. There is, however, a prescribed practice after the burial is complete. The Prophet ﷺ, when he finished burying the deceased, would stand by the grave and say: "Seek forgiveness for your brother and ask Allah to grant him steadfastness." This is prescribed, because at that moment, the deceased is being asked for mercy and firmness in the grave. And Allāh knows best.