He who follows the bier, for him is the reward of one qirat. Ibn 'Umar said: Abu Huraira narrated it too often. So he sent (a messenger to) 'A'isha to ascertain (the fact). She ('A'isha) testified Abu Huraira. Ibn 'Umar said: We missed so many qirats.
The Book of Prayer - Funerals
Sahih Muslim 945 f
Hadith Commentary
This narration establishes the immense spiritual reward for accompanying a Muslim funeral procession. The qirat mentioned is a substantial measure of reward in the Hereafter, likened by some scholars to the size of Mount Uhud.
Ibn 'Umar's initial hesitation demonstrates the scholarly principle of verification, even when hearing from reliable narrators like Abu Huraira. His subsequent acceptance after confirmation from 'A'isha shows proper adherence to scholarly methodology.
The final remark "We missed so many qirats" reflects the Companions' keen awareness of opportunities for spiritual advancement and their regret over any missed chances to earn divine reward through simple acts of communal obligation.
Juridical Rulings
Following funeral processions is a collective obligation (fard kifayah) upon the Muslim community. The reward is granted whether one accompanies the bier from the place of prayer to the gravesite or participates in any portion of the procession.
This hadith encourages active participation in Muslim funeral rites, strengthening communal bonds and fulfilling the rights Muslims owe to one another in life and death.