Is the funeral prayer performed over only a part of a deceased person?
General Chapter
Al-Mughni
Book of Funerals
Primary text
The established school of thought mandates that the funeral prayer (*Salat al-Janazah*) is performed over a detached part of the deceased, provided that part is found. This is the opinion of Al-Shafi'i. The primary evidence supporting this ruling is the consensus (*Ijmāʿ*) of the Companions (*Sahabah*). It is narrated that Abu Ayyub prayed over a man, 'Umar prayed over bones in Sham, and Abu Ubaydah prayed over heads in Sham. Furthermore, Al-Shafi'i reported that a hand belonging to Abdurrahman ibn 'Attab ibn Asid fell in Mecca, was recognized by its ring, and the people of Mecca prayed over it in the presence of the Companions, and no dissenting voice among the Companions was known regarding this.
Supporting text
Imam Abu Hanifah and Imam Malik hold that the funeral prayer is performed only if the majority of the deceased is found; otherwise, it is not performed. They equate this to a part that separated during the person's life, such as hair or a fingernail, which are not prayed over.