Whether you are a new widow or a seasoned widower, you probably have a vague idea of what a funeral is all about. It is the ritual of a gathering of family and friends for the departed to pay their respects. It is a time to remember the person who has passed away, receive condolences and close the lid on the past.
Joining for prayers at the funeral
Whether you are joining for prayers at the funeral of a friend, family member or even a beloved pet, it is a good idea to know the proper procedure. Funeral prayers are an important aspect of the consensus juristic opinion among great Muslims. They are also the collective duty of all Muslims. Hence, they should be given the priority over other prayers.
The Companions of the Prophet peace be upon him reported him to have said: “Pray sincerely for the dead person to Allah. If forty people pray for him, he will be forgiven.” This is a sound hadith. A number of scholars have also narrated it. Among these are Abu Hanifa, Abu Thaur and Ash-Shafi’i.
The Prophet also commanded that people should stand during funeral prayers. He said that “If a group of Muslims stand in three rows, each of them praying for the dead, Allah will forgive him.” This was also the practice of Malik ibn Habairah. They made everyone stand in three rows.
Receiving condolences at the funeral
Visiting the funeral of a loved one can be very stressful. Many people are not sure what to say. Fortunately, there are several ways to show your support.
There are some basic funeral etiquette rules that you can follow to ensure your words are meaningful. First, make sure you arrive on time. You should also sit close to family members. You should also offer support and sympathy to the family.
You should also avoid saying anything negative about the deceased. Remember, this is a time for the family to remember the person. No one wants to be reminded of negative memories. Also, it is not appropriate to say anything negative about how the deceased died.
The funeral service is a time for the family to remember their loved one. If you are close with the family, you should offer your support. However, if you are not close with the family, keep your comments brief.
Signs of a low-key funeral
Despite the fact that it is a formal affair, a low key funeral can be a lot of fun. Having said that, some pre planning is a must to keep things on a positive note. It is also a good idea to plan for your kids to be able to attend. The aforementioned aforementioned pity functions are the most important, so make sure they are accounted for. In the pre planning phase, be sure to make them feel welcome by offering to pay their way, and the likes. This is especially important if they are in the service force. This may sound a little cheesy, but it will go a long way in the long run.
Having said that, if you plan to attend a low key funeral, the following suggestions are a must. These suggestions may sound like common sense, but in this instance, they are the exception.
