Not taking part in a funeral prayer held in the mosque

Question

(1) If the funeral prayer is being performed in the mosque, is it necessary to keep away from the congregation with a view to reforming [people]? (2) If, despite being told the ruling, people perform it [in the mosque] out of custom, is it necessary to declare one’s excuse from joining the congregation and from leading it, or not? (3) If there is a likelihood of strife (fasad) from explaining the ruling, what is the ruling in such a case?

Answer

(1) If he keeps away for the sake of reform, that is better. (2) He should explain the ruling and declare his excuse. (3) Merely two or four people saying some harsh word to him is not strife on account of which one should refrain from explaining the ruling; if there is real strife, then there is also room for silence.

Source: Fatawa Mahmudiyya

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