How should the Imam stand when leading funeral prayer over combined coffins of men and women?
General Chapter
Al-Mughni
Book of Funerals
Primary text
When funeral prayers are offered for both men and women simultaneously, the preferred method is to arrange the men in rows and the women in rows behind them, positioning the head of the first woman's row next to the knees of the last man. This position is chosen because it aligns with the action of the Prophet, peace be upon him, and adhering to his practice takes precedence over any differing opinion. This view is favored over setting all heads level. Imam Ahmad holds two narrations on this matter. One narration, favored by Al-Qadi, Ibrahim, the people of Mecca, and the Madhhab of Abu Hanifah, suggests leveling their heads. This is supported by a narration attributed to Ibn Umar. A narration from Shu'bi describes the funeral prayer for Umm Kulthum bint Ali and her son, where the governor of Medina leveled their heads and feet during the prayer.
Supporting text
An alternative view, favored by Abu Al-Khattab, is to line the men up, then line the women up, placing the middle of the women's rows at the chests (sudur) of the men, so the Imam stands at the chest of the foremost man and the middle of the women. Wathila ibn al-Asqa' performed the prayer by lining men, then women behind them, placing the head of the first woman at the knee of the last man, which resembles the view of Malik and Sa'id ibn Jubayr.