Abu Hurairah (Radia-Allaahu ‘anhu) narrated that the Messenger of Allaah (Salla-Allaahu ‘alayhi wa sallam) said: “Hasten with the dead body (for its burial), for if it is pious, you are forwarding it to goodness, and if it is otherwise (not righteous), you are putting off an evil thing down your necks.” [Agreed upon, Al-Bukhaari no. 1315 and Muslim no. 944]
This Hadeeth contains both foundational (Usuliyyah) and subsidiary (Furu’iyyah) issues.
The statement of the Prophet (Salla-Allaahu ‘alayhi wa sallam) “Hasten with the dead body” includes hastening the process of washing, shrouding, carrying, and burying the deceased, and all related preparations – which is why these matters are from the communal obligations or collective duties (Fard Kifayah).
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