Fatwa by: Former Grand Mufti of Saudi Arabia, Sheikh Ibn Baz (رحمه الله)
Question:
It is commonly observed that women do not participate in funeral prayers. Is it prohibited for women to offer the funeral prayer?
Answer:
The funeral prayer (Salat al-Janazah) is prescribed for both men and women. This is supported by the hadith of the Prophet Muhammad (ﷺ), who said:
"Whoever offers the funeral prayer will earn one Qirat (of reward), and whoever follows it until the burial will earn two Qirats." He was asked, "O Messenger of Allah, what are the Qirats?" He replied, "Like two great mountains (in reward)."*
(Sahih Bukhari and Sahih Muslim)
However, it is not permissible for women to accompany the deceased to the graveyard, as they have been prohibited from doing so. This is based on a narration from Umm 'Atiyyah (رضي الله عنها), recorded in Bukhari and Muslim, where she said:
"We were forbidden from following the funeral processions, but it was not made strict upon us."
(Narrated by Abu Dawood, 3167)
As for the funeral prayer, women are not prohibited from performing it, whether the prayer is held in the mosque, at home, or in a designated prayer area (Janazah Gah). Women during the time of the Prophet (ﷺ) would offer the funeral prayer with him in the mosque.
Regarding the issue of visiting graves, this, like accompanying the funeral to the graveyard, is specific to men. This is because the Prophet (ﷺ) cursed women who frequently visit graves, and the wisdom behind this is that women visiting the cemetery or accompanying the funeral procession could lead to temptation (fitnah). And Allah knows best.
Additionally, the Prophet (ﷺ) said:
"I have not left behind me any temptation more harmful to men than women."
(Narrated by Tirmidhi in the Book of Manners)
And Allah is the source of success.
Question:
It is commonly observed that women do not participate in funeral prayers. Is it prohibited for women to offer the funeral prayer?
Answer:
The funeral prayer (Salat al-Janazah) is prescribed for both men and women. This is supported by the hadith of the Prophet Muhammad (ﷺ), who said:
"Whoever offers the funeral prayer will earn one Qirat (of reward), and whoever follows it until the burial will earn two Qirats." He was asked, "O Messenger of Allah, what are the Qirats?" He replied, "Like two great mountains (in reward)."*
(Sahih Bukhari and Sahih Muslim)
However, it is not permissible for women to accompany the deceased to the graveyard, as they have been prohibited from doing so. This is based on a narration from Umm 'Atiyyah (رضي الله عنها), recorded in Bukhari and Muslim, where she said:
"We were forbidden from following the funeral processions, but it was not made strict upon us."
(Narrated by Abu Dawood, 3167)
As for the funeral prayer, women are not prohibited from performing it, whether the prayer is held in the mosque, at home, or in a designated prayer area (Janazah Gah). Women during the time of the Prophet (ﷺ) would offer the funeral prayer with him in the mosque.
Regarding the issue of visiting graves, this, like accompanying the funeral to the graveyard, is specific to men. This is because the Prophet (ﷺ) cursed women who frequently visit graves, and the wisdom behind this is that women visiting the cemetery or accompanying the funeral procession could lead to temptation (fitnah). And Allah knows best.
Additionally, the Prophet (ﷺ) said:
"I have not left behind me any temptation more harmful to men than women."
(Narrated by Tirmidhi in the Book of Manners)
And Allah is the source of success.