The Imam Placing His Handkerchief on a Woman’s Bier

Question

A certain Hanafi imam or scholar places his handkerchief on a woman’s bier at the spot where his gaze falls, so that the silk and beautiful cloth lying over the deceased does not disturb the presence of heart. What is [the ruling on] this?

Answer

There is no need for this: the prayer is valid without placing a handkerchief, and there is also no harm in placing a handkerchief — both ways are correct. Considering either one of them necessary, or insisting on it, is contrary to the principle.

Source: Fatawa Mahmudiyya

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