Question: A person who never prays, i.e., has never prayed at all, and another person who prays sometimes and sometimes does not—should their funeral prayer (Janazah) be performed or not?
Answer: A person who prays occasionally clearly believes in and acknowledges prayer, and by performing it sometimes, they show evidence of their Muslim identity. Such a person is considered within Islam, and if they pass away, their funeral prayer will be performed, and they will be buried in a Muslim cemetery.
As for the person who has never prayed, such a person is, in fact, considered outside of Islam because the distinguishing factor between Islam and disbelief is the prayer itself. This is why a person who never prays will be subjected to the punishment of Hell by Allah, the Lord of the Worlds.
A significant issue arises here: If a person is born into a Muslim family but has never prayed, what should be done when they pass away, provided they did not reject Allah, His Messenger, or the religion?
Shariah is very clear on this matter: the funeral prayer for such a person will not be performed, nor will they be buried in a Muslim cemetery. However, there are many individuals who, though they do not regularly pray, still recite the Kalimah (Islamic declaration of faith) and consider themselves Muslims. If these people are not buried in Muslim cemeteries, it could create concern within the Muslim community and open the door to mockery and scorn from non-Muslims. Consequently, some may stop even reciting the Kalimah and either join other religions or become atheists.
Therefore, considering the circumstances and needs, if a person is born into a Muslim family and acknowledges the Kalimah, they should be buried in a Muslim cemetery. However, pious and righteous individuals should refrain from attending their funeral to serve as a lesson and reminder for others.
Respondent: Sheikh Maqbool Ahmed Salafi Hafizahullah
Jeddah Dawah Center, Saudi Arabia
Interpreter: Hasan Fuzail
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