that Allah's Messenger (ﷺ) (p.b.u.h) said, "Whoever attends the funeral procession till he offers the funeral prayer for it, will get a reward equal to one Qirat, and whoever accompanies it till burial, will get a reward equal to two Qirats." It was asked, "What are two Qirats?" He replied, "Like two huge mountains."
Hadith Text & Reference
"Whoever attends the funeral procession till he offers the funeral prayer for it, will get a reward equal to one Qirat, and whoever accompanies it till burial, will get a reward equal to two Qirats." It was asked, "What are two Qirats?" He replied, "Like two huge mountains."
Book: Funerals (Al-Janaa'iz) | Author: Sahih al-Bukhari | Reference: Sahih al-Bukhari 1325
Commentary on the Reward Structure
The Prophet ﷺ establishes a graduated reward system for funeral attendance. The first level of reward (one Qirat) is granted for accompanying the deceased to the prayer site and participating in the funeral prayer (Salat al-Janazah). This demonstrates the communal obligation (fard kifayah) and spiritual support for the deceased.
The greater reward (two Qirats) is reserved for those who complete the entire process by accompanying the deceased to the gravesite and witnessing the burial. This additional commitment reflects greater compassion and fulfillment of the full rights of the Muslim brother/sister.
Understanding the Qirat Measurement
When the Companions inquired about the meaning of "two Qirats," the Prophet ﷺ provided a tangible comparison: "Like two huge mountains." Scholars explain that Qirat here refers to a massive measure of divine reward, not a specific worldly weight.
The mountain analogy serves to emphasize the immense spiritual value Allah places on accompanying Muslims in their final journey. Just as mountains represent stability and grandeur, these rewards are substantial and enduring in the sight of Allah.
Legal and Spiritual Implications
This hadith establishes the high merit of funeral attendance in Islamic law. Scholars derive from this that accompanying the funeral procession is a recommended act (mustahabb) that carries tremendous spiritual benefits.
The graduated reward system encourages Muslims to complete the full funeral rites rather than departing after the prayer. This reflects the comprehensive nature of Islamic brotherhood, where believers support each other from life through death and burial.
Practical Application
Muslims should make effort to attend funeral prayers whenever possible, recognizing the dual benefit: fulfilling the rights of the deceased Muslim and earning substantial divine reward.
When circumstances permit, one should strive to complete the funeral rites by accompanying the body to the gravesite. The comparison to "two huge mountains" should motivate believers to prioritize this act of worship and compassion.