What is prescribed upon seeing a funeral procession
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Question:
This questioner says: In some countries, when a funeral procession is being held, it is common among many Muslims that when they see the bier carrying the deceased, they point at it with their index fingers and recite the testimony of faith. What is your opinion on this, O Shaykh?
Answer:
I do not know of any basis for this, but the Sunnah is to stand when they see it. The Prophet (peace and blessings be upon him) said: So it is better to stand when one sees it until it passes behind him and goes beyond him, and it is not obligatory; because the Messenger (peace and blessings be upon him) stood and sat, which indicates that standing is not obligatory, but it is a recommended practice.
As for pointing with the finger, I do not know of any basis for it, and I do not know of any basis for the testimony of faith, yes.
This questioner says: In some countries, when a funeral procession is being held, it is common among many Muslims that when they see the bier carrying the deceased, they point at it with their index fingers and recite the testimony of faith. What is your opinion on this, O Shaykh?
Answer:
I do not know of any basis for this, but the Sunnah is to stand when they see it. The Prophet (peace and blessings be upon him) said:
When you see a funeral procession, stand up; for the dead person is in a state of panic.
إذا رأيتم الجنازة فقوموا؛ فإن للموت فزعًاAs for pointing with the finger, I do not know of any basis for it, and I do not know of any basis for the testimony of faith, yes.
Source
binbaz.org.sa
The Arabic text is copied verbatim from the original source, without any edits.