Fatwa no. 18936 Is it Sunnah (action following the teachings of the Prophet) to hurry when carrying the deceased to their graves? Is there a Hadith indicating the virtue of being a pallbearer?

A 1: Yes, it is of the Sunnah to hasten when carrying the deceased and to walk at a speedier pace than the normal walk (Part No. 7; Page No. 336) and slower than a jogging pace. It was reported that the Prophet (peace be upon him) stated: Hasten to bury the deceased, for if they were righteous, you will be forwarding them toward goodness; and if otherwise, then you will throwing off an evil from your necks." (Agreed upon by Al-Bukhari and Muslim). Moreover, Abu Dawud narrated in his Sunan (Hadith compilations classified by jurisprudential themes) on the authority of Abu Bakrah that he said: I witnessed it myself when we walked at a quick pace with the Messenger of Allah (peace be upon him) and we were pallbearers (carrying a dead person). Being a pallbearer at a funeral is of the Sunnah; it is following the example of the Prophet (peace be upon him). It was authentically reported that the Prophet (peace be upon him) was a pallbearer at the funeral of Sa`d ibn Mu`adh and the Companions also would do so. Thus, we should follow their example. Ibn Abu Shaybah narrated with a sound Sanad (chain of narrators) on the authority of Abu Al-Darda': To realize the full reward of attending a Janazah (funeral), it should be accompanied by the relatives of the deceased who carry it by its four corners, and dust is put over the grave. This is not a personal opinion; it is the Sunnah of the Prophet (peace be upon him).