Shaykh Ibn Baaz on Salaat al-Ghaa’ib (Janaazah Prayer in Absentia) for Relatives in Other Lands

In the Name of Allaah, the Most Compassionate, the Ever-Merciful…

Shaykh ‘Abdul-‘Azeez ibn Baaz (d.1420 – may Allaah have Mercy on him) was asked the following question about Janaazah (Funeral) Prayer in absentia:

If someone learns of a relative who passed away in another land, should he perform Janaazah Prayer for that person (in absentia)?

No, rather he should ask Allaah for Forgiveness (for the deceased), since the Prophet (may Allaah raise his rank and grant him peace) did not use to pray (Janaazah) over the deceased from other lands, except for special cases.  An example of this Continue reading