Is it recommended to form straight rows for the funeral prayer?
General Chapter
Al-Mughni
Book of Funerals
Primary text
It is recommended to straighten the rows during the funeral prayer. This is the position stated by Ahmad. The basis for this ruling is the action of the Prophet, peace be upon him, who announced the death of the Negus on the day he died, went out to the prayer place, lined the people up in rows, and performed the prayer with four Takbirs. This narration is agreed upon (Muttafaq 'alayh). Furthermore, a report from Abu al-Malih indicates that when he prayed over a deceased person, he turned and said, 'Straighten your rows, for your intercession will be better.'
Supporting text
It is related that 'Ata' was asked if people should form rows for the funeral prayer as they do for regular prayer, to which he replied negatively, stating that people simply stand to supplicate and seek forgiveness for the deceased. Ahmad did not approve of this statement by 'Ata'.