Is recitation (Qira'ah) required after Surah Al-Fatiha in the funeral prayer (Salat al-Janazah)?
General Chapter
Al-Mughni
Book of Funerals
Primary text
Recitation after Surah Al-Fatiha is not performed in the funeral prayer. There is no known disagreement among scholars on this matter. The general practice is to recite only Surah Al-Fatiha silently after the initial Takbir. Imam Ahmad explained that Ibn Abbas's recitation (which was a deviation) was done only to teach the Tashahhud to the people. This view aligns with the Madhhab of Al-Shafi'i.
Supporting text
It is reported that Ibn Abbas once led a funeral prayer in Mecca where he recited aloud after the first Takbir, supplicated for the Prophet (peace be upon him), then supplicated for the deceased, and concluded, stating this is how the funeral prayer should be conducted. Al-Shafi'i narrated a tradition from Abu Umamah bin Sahl indicating the Sunnah is for the Imam to recite Al-Fatiha silently after the first Takbir, then send blessings upon the Prophet, and restrict supplication for the deceased within the remaining Takbirs without reciting anything else, concluding with a silent Taslim (salutation).