What is the required number of Takbirat (declarations of 'Allahu Akbar') in the funeral prayer?
General Chapter
Al-Mughni
Book of Funerals
Primary text
The funeral prayer must consist of exactly four Takbirat, and one must not exceed or fall short of this number. This position is supported by the actions of the Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) praying over the Negus with four Takbirat (Muttafaq 'alayh), and over a grave after burial with four. Furthermore, 'Umar ibn al-Khattab gathered the people and settled the matter upon four Takbirat, stating it was the longest prayer. This is the view of the majority of scholars, including 'Umar, his son, Zayd ibn Thabit, Jabir, Ibn Abi Awfa, Al-Hasan ibn 'Ali, Al-Bara' ibn 'Azib, Abu Hurayrah, 'Uqbah ibn 'Amir, Ibn al-Hanafiyyah, 'Ata', Al-Awza'i, Malik, Abu Hanifah, Al-Thawri, and Al-Shafi'i.
Supporting text
There is a difference of opinion regarding following the Imam if he performs more than four Takbirat. Some reports from Ahmad indicate that the follower should continue up to seven Takbirat. 'Abdullah ibn Mas'ud held that one should say as many Takbirat as the Imam, as there is no fixed number or time limit, citing a narration that the Prophet (peace be upon him) performed seven Takbirat over Hamzah. However, the sound position is that one should not exceed seven, as this is not established from the actions of the Prophet (peace be upon him) or any of the Companions.