Q. Could you please clarify if janazah prayer offered in a different country is valid or not? We sometimes offer this prayer for relatives who die in India. However we have been told by some Imams that it is not valid, as it is a deviation or bid’ah, while others have not said so. May I add that I have witnessed this type of prayer offered for the famous Indian scholar Ali Mia and for the late kings of Jordan and Morocco. M.A. Sadat, Jeddah A. When news of the death of Negus, the ruler of Abyssinia was conveyed to the Prophet, he and his companions offered this prayer, which is a special prayer for a deceased person before his burial. The Prophet was in Madinah while the Negus died and was buried in Abyssinia. Hence, to suggest that this prayer is a deviation betrays total ignorance. Some scholars, however, suggest that if we know for certain that this prayer has been offered for the deceased person in his home town or village, then to offer this prayer when away is not necessary. But there is nothing in the Sunnah to support this restriction. The fact that the Prophet and his companions offered this prayer for a deceased person who died more than 1000 kilometers away shows that it is perfectly appropriate. No one can argue otherwise. Prayer for an away deceased person may be offered by an individual or a congregation. When we offer it, we should turn towars the Qiblah in Makkah, even though the person might have died in a place that lies in a different direction. The prayer is offered in the same way as if the deceased’s body was present, without any difference. arabnews/node/221310 ---------------------------------------------------- Sahih Al-Bukhari Hadith 5.220 Narrated by Abu Huraira Allahs Messenger (saws) informed them (i.e. his companions) of the death of Negus, the king of Ethiopia, on the very day on which he had died, and said, Ask Allahs forgiveness for your brother. Abu Huraira further said, Allahs Messenger (saws) made them (i.e. the Muslims) stand in rows at the Musalla (i.e. praying place) and led the funeral prayer for the Negus.”
Posted on: Fri, 25 Oct 2013 02:46:52 +0000
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