Question:
Is there a fixed duration for making du‘ā after burial, and what are the etiquettes of this practice?
Answer by:
Shaykh ‘Abd al-Manan Shorish ḥafiẓahullāh
Scholar: Ikramullah Wahidi ḥafiẓahullāh
✿ Duration of Du‘ā After Burial
✔ There is no specific, fixed time mentioned in the Qur’an or Sunnah regarding the duration of supplication after burial.
✔ According to a narration in Ṣaḥīḥ Muslim, Sayyiduna ‘Amr ibn al-‘Āṣ رضي الله عنه advised in his will that after burial, people should remain at the grave for as long as it takes to slaughter a camel and distribute its meat.
✿ Sunnah Method of Du‘ā After Burial
Sayyiduna ‘Uthmān ibn ‘Affān رضي الله عنه reported:
The Prophet ﷺ would stand by the grave after burial and say:
“Ask forgiveness for your brother and pray for his steadfastness, for he is now being questioned.”
[Sunan Abī Dāwūd: 3221]
✿ Ruling on Making Du‘ā Near the Grave
✔ It is permissible to sit near the grave after burial due to tiredness and make du‘ā, provided the person does not imitate grave custodians (mujāwirīn) in practice or appearance.
✔ The du‘ā may be short or lengthy, as there is no defined time limit established in Sharī‘ah.
✿ Important Guidelines
➊ There is no harm in remaining a little longer after the collective du‘ā to make additional personal supplication.
➋ However, it is not mandatory for all attendees to remain near the grave.
➌ Etiquette and humility should be observed during du‘ā.
➍ Supplicating for the deceased’s forgiveness and steadfastness (thabāt) is a Sunnah and among the best acts that can be done after burial.
وَاللّٰهُ أَعْلَمُ بِالصَّوَابِ
