What is the permissible time limit for performing a funeral prayer over a grave after burial?
General Chapter
Al-Mughni
Book of Funerals
Primary text
The prayer over the grave is established for a period determined by the time during which it is highly probable the deceased remains intact. The duration settled upon is one month, based on the action of the Prophet, peace be upon him, praying over the grave of Umm Sa'd after one month had passed following her death. This is supported by the narration of Sa'id ibn al-Musayyib. This period is analogous to the ruling for the living person's prayer before the third day and the prayer for an absent person. Rejecting the notion of praying over the grave indefinitely is evidenced by the consensus that the prayer is not offered over the grave of the Prophet, peace be upon him, now.
Supporting text
Some Shafi'i scholars hold that the prayer may be performed indefinitely, a view chosen by Ibn Aqil, citing the Prophet's prayer over the martyrs of Uhud after eight years. Others limit it to the period before the body decomposes. Abu Hanifah limits the prayer to the guardian (wali) for three days, after which no one may pray over it. Ishaq limits the absent person's prayer to one month and the present person's prayer to three days. A view suggests that the Prophet's prayer after one month implies his presence was near the head, thus permitting prayer shortly after one month but not indefinitely.