Congregational du‘a after burial

Question: Is congregational du‘aa’ (supplication) right after burial part of the Sunnah in Islam?

Praise be to Allah

Summary:
Making du‘aa’ for the deceased after burial is indeed a Sunnah established by the Prophet Muhammad (peace and blessings be upon him). However, organizing a structured congregational du‘aa’ immediately after every burial, with one person leading and others responding with “Ameen,” is not a practice found in the Sunnah. If done occasionally without regularity, this may be permissible, but habitual congregational du‘aa’ is viewed as an innovation (Bid’ah).

Detailed Answer:

1. Du‘aa’ Following Burial
   The Prophet Muhammad (peace and blessings be upon him) encouraged making du‘aa’ for the deceased’s forgiveness and steadfastness immediately after burial, as he instructed his companions, “Pray for forgiveness for your brother, and ask that he be made steadfast, for he is being questioned now.” (Reported by Abu Dawood, Hadith 3221; authenticated by al-Albaani in Ahkaam al-Janaa’iz). This establishes the Sunnah of praying for the deceased after burial individually.
2. Occasional Congregational Du‘aa’
   While it is encouraged to make individual du‘aa’ after the burial, Shaykh Ibn Baaz (may Allah have mercy on him) clarified that there is no harm if one person happens to lead a du‘aa’ and others respond with “Ameen,” as long as it remains occasional and informal. However, he advised against making this a routine practice with structured congregation, as it risks becoming an innovation (Bid’ah) by adding to the Sunnah.
3. Avoiding Habitual Congregational Du‘aa’
   A consistent, organized congregational du‘aa’—where one person leads and the group responds in unison—was not part of the Prophet’s practice and is considered a Bid’ah when done regularly. Shaykh Ibn Baaz noted that occasional group du‘aa’ is acceptable if unplanned, but regularizing it would introduce an unwarranted custom into burial practices (Fataawa Ibn Baaz, 13/204).
4. Paying for Du‘aa’
   It is not prescribed to pay an imam specifically to perform du‘aa’ at the grave, as sincerity is the foundation of effective supplication. Supporting poor imams with charity or zakaah is encouraged, but this support should not promote such innovations.

While du‘aa’ after burial is encouraged, organizing it as a regular congregational practice with one leader and the rest responding in unison is not from the Sunnah. Individual supplications or saying “Ameen” to another’s du‘aa’ occasionally is permissible but should not become a structured or habitual ritual.

And Allah Knows Best