Reward for joining funerals

God states in the Qur’an that He has honored man, or to use the Qur’anic expression, “the children of Adam”, which includes every human being.

Indeed, the honor extends after a person dies. Islam establishes certain rights for a deceased person, which the living must fulfill. These include that the deceased should be given a bath, wrapped and embalmed. Relatives, neighbors, friends and anyone else should join the deceased’s funeral until the funeral prayer is offered and after that, until the burial is complete. They must also pray to God to grant mercy and forgive the deceased.

The Prophet encouraged us to join funerals. Abdullah ibn Umar was told that Abu Hurayrah quoted the Prophet as saying: “Whoever follows a funeral will have a portion of the reward.” Ibn Umar commented: “Abu Hurayrah has stated too many.”

Regarding the Reward

Narrated Abu Huraira: Allah’s Apostle said, “(A believer) who accompanies the funeral procession of a Muslim out of sincere faith and hoping to attain Allah’s reward and remains with it till the funeral prayer is offered and the burial ceremonies are over, he will return with a reward of two Qirats. Each Qirat is like the size of the (Mount) Uhud. He who offers the funeral prayer only and returns before the burial, will return with the reward of one Qirat only.” Sahih Bukhari  (Book #2, Hadith #45)