What is the order of precedence when placing a male, a female, a free person, a slave, an adult, and a minor in the funeral line?
General Chapter
Al-Mughni
Book of Funerals
Primary text
There is no disagreement that a *Khuntha* (intersex person) is placed ahead of a woman, as the *Khuntha* has the potential to be a man, or at least equals her status. Similarly, a free person is placed ahead of a slave due to the honor associated with freedom and precedence in leading prayer. An adult is placed ahead of a minor. A narration from 'Ali ibn Abi Talib outlines the order: Man nearest the Imam, then the woman, then the adult, then the minor, then the free person, then the slave.
Supporting text
When a young free man and an old slave are present, Imam Ahmad preferred that the free person be placed nearer the Imam, even if the slave is older. Al-Khallal supports this. However, another narration from Abu Al-Harith suggests the oldest individual among them should be placed nearest the Imam, which is deemed sounder because precedence in regular congregational prayer is given by age (Al-Akbar). The statement from 'Ali is interpreted to mean precedence by status (free/slave) when they are equal in age.