❖ Introduction
Islam provides a comprehensive guide for the entire process of death and burial. Among these etiquettes is the duʿā’ to be recited when placing the deceased into the grave, and the supplication made after the burial is completed. These actions are based on authentic prophetic traditions and are part of honoring the deceased in accordance with the Sunnah.❖ Dua When Placing the Deceased in the Grave
From ʿAbdullāh ibn ʿUmar (رضي الله عنهما), it is narrated:
"When you place the deceased into the grave, say:"
بِسْمِ اللَّهِ، وَعَلَى سُنَّةِ رَسُولِ اللَّهِ صلى الله عليه وسلم
"In the name of Allah, and upon the Sunnah of the Messenger of Allah ﷺ."
— Sunan Abī Dāwūd, Kitāb al-Janā’iz, Ḥadīth 3213
✔ This short but comprehensive supplication affirms Tawḥīd and reinforces the following of the Prophet ﷺ even at the time of burial.
❖ Supplication After the Burial
Narrated from ʿUthmān ibn ʿAffān (رضي الله عنه):"When the Prophet ﷺ would finish burying someone, he would stand at the grave and say:"
اللَّهُمَّ اغْفِرْ لَهُ، اللَّهُمَّ ثَبِّتْهُ
"O Allah, forgive him. O Allah, make him steadfast."
— Sunan Abī Dāwūd, Ḥadīth 3321
This duʿā’ is offered for the deceased as the angels come to question him in the grave. It is a moment of immense gravity, and the Prophet ﷺ instructed the companions to pray for forgiveness and firmness in response.
❖ Important Clarification Regarding Janāzah Prayer
It is noteworthy that:
Collective duʿā’ after the janāzah prayer is not part of the Sunnah.The Prophet ﷺ did not instruct nor practice any special congregational duʿā’ after the funeral prayer. Since the janāzah prayer itself is filled with duʿā’, there remains no gap or omission that would justify a separate collective supplication.
Any such unauthorized addition, no matter how well-intentioned, falls into bidʿah (innovation)—and all innovation is misguidance, as warned by the Prophet ﷺ.
❖ Conclusion
When burying the deceased, recite:بِسْمِ اللَّهِ، وَعَلَى سُنَّةِ رَسُولِ اللَّهِ ﷺ
After burial, at the graveside, sincerely supplicate:اللَّهُمَّ اغْفِرْ لَهُ، اللَّهُمَّ ثَبِّتْهُ
Let us adhere strictly to the prophetic guidance and avoid cultural additions that have no basis in Islam. In this lies the acceptance of our deeds and the salvation of our Hereafter.
May Allah ﷻ enable us to honor the deceased with the Sunnah and bless them with forgiveness and steadfastness in the grave. Āmīn.
