Is the funeral prayer (*Salat al-Janazah*) performed over a martyr?
General Chapter
Al-Mughni
Book of Funerals
Primary text
The correct view is that the funeral prayer is not performed over the martyr. This is the position of Malik, Shafi'i, and Ishaq. The justification for omitting washing and prayer simultaneously is that the martyr is not washed, even if washing is possible. Furthermore, the martyr is considered alive with their Lord, and prayer is prescribed for the deceased. Another reason is that the martyr is self-sufficient (having earned immense reward and the capacity to intercede for seventy relatives), thus not needing supplication through the prayer, which is primarily for intercession.
Supporting text
There is a secondary opinion from Ahmad, chosen by Al-Khallal, which aligns with the view of Al-Thawri and Abu Hanifa, that the prayer is performed over the martyr. However, Ahmad's statements suggest that the prayer is recommended (*mustahabb*) rather than obligatory. This recommendation is supported by the narration that the Prophet, peace be upon him, prayed over the martyrs of Uhud, though this action is specified to the martyrs of Uhud and performed years later. The narration concerning the prayer over the martyrs of Uhud may be interpreted as a supplication (*du'a*). A further consideration is that leaving the washing avoids removing the effects of their righteous deed (the blood), which brings the reward of having their blood color and scent be that of musk on the Day of Judgment.