What is the ruling on praying the funerary prayer (Salat al-Mayyit) during specific times?
General Chapter
Al-Mughni
Book of Funerals
Primary text
It is disliked (makruh) to perform the funerary prayer during three times: when the sun is rising until it has ascended, at midday (when the sun is at its zenith) until it declines slightly, and when the sun begins to set until it has fully set. This is established by the report from Uqbah ibn Amir, where the Messenger of Allah forbade praying or burying the dead during these times. The word 'tatadaffu' means leaning or inclining towards setting. The scholars including Ibn al-Mubarak interpreted the prohibition on burying during these times to include the funerary prayer itself. This ruling is attributed to Ahmad.
Supporting text
It is permissible to perform the funerary prayer outside of these prohibited times. This view is reported from Ibn Umar, Atta, Al-Nakha'i, Al-Awza'i, Al-Thawri, Ishaq, and the Ashab al-Ra'y (Hanafi jurists). A narration from Ahmad also permits it, which aligns with a position held by Al-Shafi'i based on analogy with the times after Fajr and Asr prayers.