‘Abdur Rahman bin Abi Laila (RAA) and ‘Zaid bin Arqam (RAA) used to recite four Takbirat when praying over the dead, but once he said it five times, so I asked him about it. He said to me, ‘The Messenger of Allah (ﷺ) used to do so.’ Related by Muslim and the four Imams.
Hadith Commentary: The Takbirat in Funeral Prayer
This narration from 'Abdur Rahman bin Abi Laila and Zaid bin Arqam (RAA) addresses the number of takbirat (saying "Allahu Akbar") in the funeral prayer (Salat al-Janazah). The apparent discrepancy between four and five takbirat demonstrates the flexibility within the Sunnah regarding this matter.
Scholarly Analysis of the Takbirat
The majority of scholars hold that four takbirat are the established Sunnah, based on numerous authentic narrations. The five takbirat mentioned represent an alternative practice permitted by the Prophet (ﷺ) on specific occasions.
Imam al-Nawawi explains that both four and five takbirat are authentically reported from the Prophet (ﷺ), with four being more common. The fifth takbir serves as an additional supplication for the deceased before the final taslim (salutation).
Legal Rulings and Practical Application
According to the Hanafi, Maliki, and Hanbali schools, four takbirat are prescribed. The Shafi'i school permits both but prefers four. The flexibility demonstrates the mercy of Islamic law in accommodating different valid practices.
Scholars emphasize that what matters most is following the imam in prayer, whether he recites four or five takbirat. The unity of the congregation takes precedence over individual preference in this matter.