Is it permissible to start with Surah Fatiha?

Question

As I understand, after the burial of the deceased, it is Sunnah to recite the beginning verses of Surah Baqarah at the head side and the last verses of Surah Baqarah at the feet side. Additionally, a dua is typically recited. In our practice, we first recite Surah Fatiha, followed by the beginning verses of Surah Baqarah at the head side, and the last verses of Surah Baqarah at the feet side, which are recited loudly so that everyone can hear. My questions are as follows:

Is it permissible to start with Surah Fatiha? In the narrations, only Surah Baqarah is mentioned, and not Surah Fatiha.

To what extent is it permissible to recite these verses loudly?

Afterward, a dua is made facing the Qibla. This dua is a collective, loud dua where the Imam makes the dua aloud and everyone responds with "Ameen."

My questions regarding this are: Should the dua not be made individually? To what extent is it permissible to make a collective dua after the burial?

Mufti Zakaria Makada · Accepted Answer

1. Since the Hadith only mentions reciting the beginning verses of Surah Baqarah at the headside, and the last verses of Surah Baqarah at the feetside, then you should suffice on this.

2. These verses do not have to be recited loudly. One may recite them silently.

3. After the burial, both are permissible - making an individual dua or a collective dua.

And Allah Ta'ala (الله تعالى) knows best.

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