Q 7: Is the obligation of offering a Funeral Prayer confined to men only or it is a general obligation to be observed by men and women alike?

A: Offering the Funeral Prayer is a collective obligation which if some Muslims observe it, there is no longer an obligation on the rest; while if all Muslims abandon it willingly; they are all considered sinners. There is no particularity for men in this regard. Rather, there is no difference between men and women regarding the Islamic legality of offering the Funeral Prayer even though it is originally to be more practiced by men. However, it is not permissible for women to follow the funeral procession for it is authentically reported that Um `Atiyyah said: We were forbidden to follow the funeral procession, but it was not stressed on us. (Related by Al-Bukhari and Muslim). In another narration: (The Messenger of Allah peace be upon him forbade us...). (Part No. 8; Page No. 418) May Allah grant us success. May peace and blessings be upon our Prophet Muhammad, his family, and Companions.