Question:
Suppose a close relative dies in another country. Because we are living in America, we cannot travel quickly enough to attend the funeral before burial. What should we do according to Islam?
Answer:
First, we must correct a common misunderstanding. Many people think a body must be buried before the next prayer time. For example, if someone dies at noon, they believe he must be buried before Asr. But there is no such rule in Islam. If necessary, burial may be delayed.
There are even hadiths encouraging that when many people attend the funeral prayer and make supplication, it becomes a cause of mercy for the deceased. If waiting a little longer allows more people to attend and pray, it may even be beneficial.
Historically, there are cases where companions were buried the following day. The Prophetﷺ ﷺ himself was buried on the third day after his passing. Of course, normally burial should not be delayed unnecessarily because the body may decay. But today we have refrigeration and other methods that preserve the body temporarily.
If family members wish to arrive before burial—for example, a son who wants to attend his father’s funeral—it is permissible to wait for a reasonable time.
Now, regarding traveling from abroad. Some people think they must attend the funeral at any cost. But historically scholars even debated whether traveling long distances for a funeral was necessary at all. Some scholars said if a person is nearby, he may attend, but if he is far away there is no obligation to travel.
Therefore, if someone lives in another country and cannot attend the funeral, there is no sin. He may pray for the deceased wherever he is.
At the same time, if a person has the financial ability and wishes to travel to attend the funeral of a close relative, that is also permissible and even a good act because it strengthens family ties. But this depends on the person’s financial situation.
If traveling will cause serious hardship—such as going into debt or losing necessary income—then it should be avoided. Islam does not require a person to put himself into financial difficulty for such matters.
For example, imagine someone earning a small salary and working in another city. If traveling for the funeral would consume his entire monthly income and create hardship for his family, he may remain where he is and simply make du‘a.
But if someone is financially comfortable and the travel cost does not affect him significantly, then attending the funeral of a relative may be a good gesture of respect and family support.
So, the matter ultimately depends on a person’s ability and circumstances. Islam does not impose a strict obligation to attend funerals from distant countries, nor does it forbid it. The decision should be made according to one’s financial capacity and situation.
