Is it permissible to do more than 4 Takbeers for Janazah?

Dear Mufti,

Is it permissible/valid to perform 4 extra takbirs making a total of 5 takbirs for janazah?

Assalaamu Alaikum Wa Rahmatullah,

If a person says 5 takbirs for the Janaza salah instead of four, it will be permissible and valid. However, the overwhelming majority of scholars including the four great Imams of FIqh hold the opinion that there are four Takbirs for the Janaza Salah and one should not increase upon this amount. This is based on the authentic narrations from the Prophet (S.A.S). In this regard, it is narrated from Anas (R.A) that the Prophet (S.A.S) made 4 takbirs for Janaza Salah. (Recorded by Imam Bukhari and Muslim). It is also narrated from Abu Hurairah (R.A) that the Prophet (S.A.S) informed the Sahabahs of the death of the Negus on the day that he died. He came out with them to the prayer area and formed the lines for Salah Al Janaza with them and made four takbirs.’ (Recorded by Imam Bukhari and Muslim). Similar traditions have been narrated by Abdullah Ibn Abbas (R.A).

It is on account of these authentic narrations, the overwhelming majority of Fuqaha (Jurists) of all Cities have stated that there are four Takbirs in the Janaza Salah. (Bidaya Al Mujtahid, Vol.1, Pg. 240, Manshooraat Al Radhi, QOM 1406 A.H; Al FIqhul Islam Wa Adilatihi, Vol.2, Pg. 1516, Maktaba Rasheediya, Queta, Pakistan.).

And Allah Knows Best.

Mufti Waseem Khan.

1/5/17.