Question:
Can women participate in the funeral prayer?
Answer:
If women wish to perform the funeral prayer, they may do so. Abdullah bin Abi Talha narrates from his father Abu Talha that when Umair bin Abi Talha passed away, Abu Talha رضي الله عنه called the Messenger of Allah صلی اللہ علیہ وسلم. The Messenger of Allah صلی اللہ علیہ وسلم came and led the funeral prayer for Umair in his house. The Prophet صلی اللہ علیہ وسلم was in front, Abu Talha رضي الله عنه was behind him, and Umm Salim رضي الله عنها was behind Abu Talha رضي الله عنه, and there was no one else with them.
Imam Hakim رحمه الله and Imam Dhahabi رحمهما الله have declared this hadith authentic according to the conditions of Bukhari and Muslim. Imam Hakim رحمه الله states: “This is a rare Sunnah permitting women to perform the funeral prayer.” Similarly, the funeral prayer for Sa’d bin Abi Waqqas رضي الله عنه by the Mothers of the Believers رضي الله عنهم is mentioned in
and other sources. Therefore, if women wish to perform the funeral prayer, they may participate; however, they must observe proper hijab and modesty.
