The Legitimacy of the Prayer for the Absent and Who It Is Performed For

Question:
The issue of the matter: Tell us about the legitimacy of the Salaf. Is it clear whether it is done alone in the land of all people or not? What is the evidence for its legitimacy? Did the righteous Salaf do it?

Answer:
The correct view regarding the prayer for the absent is that it is performed for those who have a standing in Islam, such as scholars and the rulers of the Muslims who have a standing in Islam. It is performed for them as an addition to their rewards. The evidence is that the Messenger of Allah (peace and blessings be upon him) performed the prayer for the absent for the Negus, because the Negus had a status in Islam (may Allah have mercy on him), as he sheltered the Muslims when they migrated to him. He had virtues and a standing. So, anyone who is in the position of the Negus, whether a scholar or a ruler of the Muslims, the prayer for the absent is performed for him to increase his reward and honor. This is because the Muslims look forward to it. As you see, people are traveling now; instead of traveling, they are told to perform the prayer for the absent, because it has evidence and a basis. Perform the prayer for the absent for him so that their hearts may be at ease and the love in their hearts for the benefit of this deceased person may be removed. This provides a way out of this issue that has occurred now, which is traveling to pray over the deceased. There is a way out, and praise be to Allah: they pray for him while in their place, and the love in their hearts for the benefit of the deceased and supplication for him is removed, and they achieve the intended purpose. Yes.