[Q]: If the followers of a Janāzah were practicing an innovation, should I follow the Janāzah or leave it?

[A]: As long as the deceased is a Muslim, the Messenger of Allāh (sallallāhu ʿalayhi wa-sallam) mentioned: “The Muslim has five rights upon a Muslim” in another narration, six rights, and from these rights is that you follow his Janāzah. So it is required that you follow the Janāzah, and if you are able to renounce the innovation, then you renounce it according to your capability, [even if it is only] renouncing it with your heart. Do not cooperate with them in their innovation, for it is an innovation. We hope that Allāh (subḥānahu wa-taʿāla) grants us understanding and grants our people understanding so that they leave off these innovations.

The Messenger of Allāh (sallallāhu ʿalayhi wa-sallam) mentioned: “There is no deceased Muslim who is prayed upon by a group of people who do not associate anything in worship with Allāh except that Allāh accepts their intercession for him [i.e. the deceased]”. So we should strive to increase the numbers of those praying [at the Janāzah]. Pray and follow the Janāzah according to the Sunnah. Allāh’s aid is sought.

Source: Ijābah al-Sāʾil ʿalā ʾAham al-Masāʾil, pg.414. Q#273
Translated by: Munīb al-Ṣumālī