What is the prescribed number of Takbirat (exclamations of 'Allahu Akbar') in the funeral prayer?
General Chapter
Al-Mughni
Book of Funerals
Primary text
The Takbirat on the funeral prayer must be four. An increase beyond this number is not recommended, and a reduction from this number is not permissible. After the first Takbir, the worshipper recites the Ta'awwudh (seeking refuge) and recites Al-Fatiha, beginning it with 'Bismillah ir-Rahman ir-Rahim'. The opening supplication (Istiftah) is not recommended.
Supporting text
Al-Thawri recommended reciting the Istiftah in the funeral prayer, though this view is not found in the works of other scholars. Ahmad narrated a position similar to Al-Thawri's, arguing that since the Ta'awwudh is prescribed in it, the Istiftah should also be prescribed, similar to other prayers.