Assalaamu Alaikum. Respected Mufti; Can you advise about reciting verses of Quran at the “head side” and at the “feet side” at the time of the burial of a Muslim person. Is it an established Sunnah or an advisable practice. Jaza Kallah.
Answer:
In the Name of Allah, the Most Gracious, the Most Merciful.
As-salāmu ‘alaykum wa-rahmatullāhi wa-barakātuh.
After the burial of the deceased, it is Mustahab to recite the opening few Ayaat (verses 1-5) of Surah al-Baqarah at the head of the deceased and the concluding few verses (verses 285-286) of the same Surah by the feet[1]. Some scholars have preferred the ayaats be recited softly. The recital of these verses are established from the Hadith.
Sayyiduna Abdullah ibn Umar (Radhiallahu Anhu) reports that he heard the Messenger of Allah (Sallallahu Alahi wa sallam) say: “When one of you passes away, do not keep his body for long and take him quickly to his grave quickly. And (at the grave) have the opening verses of Surah al-Baqarah recited at his head and the concluding verses of Surah al-Baqarah recited at his feet.” (al-Bayhaqi in Shu’ab al-Iman (mawquf). Mishkat al-Masabih no: 1717)
It should be noted that the recitation of these verses is Mustahab (recommended) and not obligatory. Hence there is no harm if left out.
Surah Ikhlaas may be recited 11 times, also Surah Yaseen and Surah Mulk. Dua and forgiveness should be made for the deceased[2].
Sayyiduna Uthman (Allah be pleased with him) narrates that the Messenger of Allah (Sallallahu alahi wa sallam), would stand by the grave after burying the deceased and say: “Seek forgiveness for your brother and pray for his steadfastness, for he is now being questioned.” (Sunan Abi Dawud, no: 3213)
And Allah Ta’āla Knows Best
Mufti Arshad Ali
Darul Iftaa, Jaamia Madinatul Uloom (Trinidad)
[1] حاشية الطحطاوي على مراقي الفلاح شرح نور الإيضاح (ص: 621)
ويستحب أن يقرأ على القبر بعد الدفن أول سورة البقرة وخاتمتها اهـ قوله: “من دخل” ظاهره أن الثواب المذكور لا يحصل إلا لمن دخل المقبرة وقرأ السورة فيها قوله: “ورفعه” أي العذاب لعل الواو بمعنى أو قوله: “ثم لا يعود على المسلمين” لم يصح فيه حديث كما ذكره منلا علي في بعض كتبه وأخذ من ذلك جواز القراءة على القبر والمسئلة ذات خلاف قال الإمام تكره لأن أهلها جيفة ولم يصح فيها شيء عنده عنه صلى الله عليه وسلم وقالمحمد تستحب لورود الآثار وهو المذهب المختار كما صرحوا به في كتاب الاستحسان
الدر المختار وحاشية ابن عابدين (رد المحتار) (2/ 237)
وَكَانَ ابْنُ عُمَرَ يَسْتَحِبُّ أَنْ يَقْرَأَ عَلَى الْقَبْرِ بَعْدَ الدَّفْنِ أَوَّلَ سُورَةِ الْبَقَرَةِ وَخَاتِمَتَهَا.
[2] ويقرأ يس وفي الحديث من قرأ الإخلاص أحد عشر مرة ثم وهب أجرها للأموات أعطي من الأجر بعدد الأموات (الدر المختار – ط. الفكر (2/ 243