Hadith Text & Reference

"He who followed it (the bier) till he (the dead) is buried."

Source: Sahih Muslim, The Book of Prayer - Funerals, Hadith: Sahih Muslim 945 c

Meaning & Significance

This narration establishes the excellence and reward in accompanying the funeral procession from its commencement until the deceased is laid in the grave. It is an act that completes the duty owed by the living to the deceased.

Scholarly Commentary

The scholars explain that the one who fulfills this act earns two great rewards. The first reward is for accompanying the bier to the place of prayer (Salat al-Janazah), and the second, greater reward is for remaining until the burial is complete and the deceased is settled in his final abode.

This hadith encourages the Muslim community to show solidarity and fulfill the collective obligation (Fard Kifayah) in its most complete manner. It is a manifestation of compassion and a reminder of our own mortality, urging us to prepare for the Hereafter.

Practical Ruling

The ruling for accompanying the funeral is that it is a communal obligation (Fard Kifayah). If a sufficient number of people perform it, the sin is lifted from the rest of the community. To follow it until the burial is a stressed Sunnah (Sunnah Mu'akkadah), highly recommended for the immense reward it contains.