Standing For The Body In Janaazah
Question: Salaam mufti. Can you address the question of standing when the body arrives and departs? Is this from the sunnah?
Answer:
Assalamu Alaikum,
One must not stand for the body (in Janaza) when it arrives or departs, or passes in front of a person. However, if one stands in order to follow the janaza then it will be permissible. Regarding this, the great jurist expert, Shaikh Ibrahim Al Halbi (died 956 A.H) writes, ‘No one must stand for the Janaza when it passes in front of him except that he intends to follow the Janaza. The overwhelming majority of scholars have ruled with this verdict.’
As for that which is narrated in authentic traditions that one should stand for it, this is abrogated on account of the tradition which has been narrated by Ali Bin Abi Talib (R.A). Ali (R.A) states that the Prophet (s.a.w) used to order us to stand for the Janaza, and then he sat and ordered us to sit. (Recorded by Abu Dawood, Ibn Majah, Ahmad, Tahawi). Ali (R.A) also narrated that the Prophet (s.a.w) used to stand for the Janaza (body), but then, he started to sit. (Recorded by Abu Dawood, Nasai and Tirmidhi who says it is Sahih (sound)). Imam Muslim has also narrated a tradition with this meaning and said, ‘standing was there in the beginning, but then it became abrogated.’ (Ghunyah Al Mutamalli (Al Sharh Al Kabeer) pg. 593 Suhail Acadmy Lahore Pakistan 1987)
And Allah Knows Best.
Mufti Waseem Khan.
16/1/2014