Is it permissible to pray over an absent person?

Question:
In his final questions, this questioner asks: What is the ruling on praying over an absent deceased person? Is it permissible to pray over an absent person? Because some people argue that praying over an absent person is specific to the Messenger (peace and blessings be upon him) when he prayed over the Negus?

Answer:
This is a matter of disagreement among the scholars, and there is no clear evidence regarding the ruling. However, if one prays over someone who has a standing in Islam, such as a righteous ruler or a scholar who has an impact in Islam, there is no harm in praying over the absent person, if Allah wills. This is because the Messenger (peace and blessings be upon him) prayed over the Negus due to the good that came through his hands in sheltering the Companions and supporting the truth, and then he entered Islam. Therefore, the Prophet (peace and blessings be upon him) prayed over him when he was informed of his death, and said: It is not recorded that he (peace and blessings be upon him) prayed over any other person, despite the many deaths in Makkah and elsewhere. Therefore, a group of scholars argued that one does not pray over an absent person, and that this is specific to the Prophet (peace and blessings be upon him) and the Negus.
Some scholars said: One prays over an absent person, and the original ruling is that there is no specificity. However, if it is someone like the Negus, a scholar who has an impact in Islam, or a ruler who has an impact in Islam and benefits the Muslims, this has a basis. But the most cautious course is to leave it off; because the Messenger (peace and blessings be upon him) did not do it despite the many deceased. Yes.

The presenter: May Allah reward you with good, O Shaykh.