I heard Allah's Messenger (ﷺ) saying, "The rights of a Muslim on the Muslims are five: to respond to the salaam, visiting the sick, to follow the funeral processions, to accept an invitation, and to reply to those who sneeze. (see Hadith 1239)
Funerals (Al-Janaa'iz) - Sahih al-Bukhari 1240
I heard Allah's Messenger (ﷺ) saying, "The rights of a Muslim on the Muslims are five: to respond to the salaam, visiting the sick, to follow the funeral processions, to accept an invitation, and to reply to those who sneeze."
Commentary on Following Funeral Processions
The third right mentioned in this noble hadith is following funeral processions (janazah), which falls under the broader obligations of Muslim brotherhood. This act carries immense spiritual reward and demonstrates communal solidarity.
Scholars explain that accompanying the deceased from their home to the mosque for funeral prayer, and then to the burial site, serves multiple purposes: it honors the deceased, comforts their family, reminds attendees of mortality, and earns divine reward for the participant.
The Prophet (ﷺ) said: "Whoever attends a funeral until the prayer is offered will have one qirat of reward, and whoever attends until the burial is done will have two qirats." It was asked, "What are the two qirats?" He replied, "They are like two great mountains." (Bukhari 1325)
The Five Rights in Context
These five rights establish the foundation of Muslim social conduct. Responding to salaam maintains peace, visiting the sick shows compassion, following funerals honors the dead, accepting invitations fosters community bonds, and responding to sneezers acknowledges Allah's mercy.
Imam al-Nawawi comments that these rights are wajib (obligatory) according to the majority of scholars, though some consider them mustahabb (recommended). The obligation varies based on capability and circumstance.
Spiritual Benefits
Following funeral processions serves as a powerful reminder of the transient nature of this world and the certainty of the Hereafter. It softens hearts, increases humility, and strengthens one's preparation for meeting Allah.
The act also provides an opportunity to make du'a for the deceased Muslim, as the Prophet (ﷺ) taught that the deceased benefits from the supplications of living believers.