DUA WHEN SOMEONE SEES THE DEAD

The Holy Prophet (s) is reported to have said that whoever sees a funeral procession and says these words, all the angels in the heavens will weep as a sign of showing mercy to him:

Allah is the Most Great.

This is what Allah and His Messenger promised us,

and Allah and His Messenger spoke the truth.

O Allah, (please) increase us faith and submission (to You).

All praise be to Allah Who has been almighty due to His omnipotence

and Who has overpowered the servants (of Him) by death.

Imam al-Sadiq (‘a) is reported to have instructed the bearers of a coffin to say these words:

In the Name of Allah (I begin) and in Allah (I put my trust).

O Allah, (please) send blessings upon Muhammad and the Household of Muhammad

and forgive the believing men and women.

Imam Zayn al-’Abidin (‘a) is reported to have used to said these words whenever he would see a funeral procession:

It is not traditional that women follow funerals. It is also discommended for those who follow a funeral to laugh or to utter nonsensical words.

In his book entitled al-Hilyah, ‘Allamah al-Majlisi, may Allah have mercy upon him, quotes the Holy Prophet (s) as saying, “Whoever performs a prayer for a deceased, seventy thousand angels will pray for him and Almighty Allah will forgive him his past and coming sins. If he remains until the deceased is buried and soil completely covers his grave, then he will be granted a carat of reward for each step he has made. One carat is equal to the weight of Mount Uhud.”

The Holy Prophet (s) is also reported to have said, “Any faithful believer who performs a prayer for a deceased person will be awarded Paradise incumbently unless he is hypocrite or impious to the parents.”