How to Pray for the Deceased at His Grave

Question:
Perhaps it would be appropriate, Honorable Dr. Salih, to also ask a question regarding the deceased after his burial. Those who go to the cemetery after the deceased has been buried ask Allah, Glorified and Exalted is He, for mercy for him. What is the manner of praying for the deceased after he has been buried in the cemetery?

Answer:
If a Muslim misses the prayer for his brother. Yes. Before the burial, he prays over his grave. He prays over his grave just as the Prophet (peace and blessings be upon him) did, for the Prophet (peace and blessings be upon him) prayed over some graves after they had been buried. This is as in the story of the black woman who used to clean the mosque, and the Prophet (peace and blessings be upon him) missed her and asked about her. They said she had died at night and been buried. So he (peace and blessings be upon him) asked someone to show him her grave, and he went to it and prayed over the grave, peace and blessings be upon him. Likewise, on another occasion, he came upon a fresh grave, meaning recently buried, and prayed over the grave, peace and blessings be upon him. Yes. And he should pray for him exactly as he prays for the funeral prayer. Yes.