Q: In the city of Riyadh, there are certain Masjids (mosques) where Janazah (Funeral) Prayers are often offered to the extent that these Masjids have became well-known for this, such as Masjid `Atiqah and Masjid Al-Rajhy in Al-Rabwah. Many young men deliberately perform Salah (Prayer) in these Masjids in the hope that they may obtain the virtue of offering Janazah Prayer.My question is: Is doing this permissible? Please give us a Fatwa, may Allah reward you!

A: Shari`ah (Islamic law) states the virtue of witnessing Janazah Prayer and the funeral procession because it is part of Iman (belief). It was authentically narrated by Abu Hurayrah (may Allah be pleased with him) that the Prophet (peace be upon him) stated: He who accompanies the funeral procession of a Muslim out of Iman and Ihtisab (confident anticipation of Allah's Recompense) (Part No. 7; Page No. 251) and remains with it till the Janazah Prayer is offered and the burial ceremonies are over, will return with (a reward of) two Qirats. Each Qirat is like the size of (Mount) Uhud. He who offers the Janazah Prayer only and returns before the burial, will return with (the reward of) one Qirat only. Imam Al-Bukhari, in his Sahih (Authentic Hadith Book), classified under the Book of ''Al-Iman'' the chapter entitled "Following Funeral Processions is Part of Iman." This indicates the virtue and desirability of attending Janazah Prayer and following the funeral procession.May Allah grant us success. May peace and blessings be upon our Prophet Muhammad, his family, and Companions.