To Read Dua After Funeral Prayer (Namaz-e-Janazah)

Some people believe that to recite Dua after the Janaza is Bidah (innovation).

According to the Ahle Sunnah Wal Jamaat, to recite Dua after the Janaza Salaah is totally permissible and an act of Sawaab (reward).

Once the Holy Prophet (S.A.W) stood on the Mimbar and informed the Sahaba Iqraam (R.A) concerning the Battle of Mauta and of the martyrdom of Hadrat Ja'far ibn Abu Taalib (R.A). He (S.A.W) performed his Janaza Salaah and made Dua for him and then said to the people, "You too make Dua-e-Maghfirat for him". Thus, to read the Dua after Janaza Salaah is permissible.

The Holy Prophet (S.A.W) said: "When you perform the Janaza Salaah on the deceased, then be sure to make Dua for it." (Mishkaat Shareef; Abu Dawud; Ibn Majah)

It is recorded that once, the Holy Prophet (S.A.W) performed the Janaza Salaah of a child and then made Dua that Allah (S.W.T) save the child from the adversity of the grave. (Bahjatun Nufoos Shara, Sahih Bukhari)

Hazrat Abdullah ibn Abbas (R.A) said: "When you have completed those commands of Allah (S.W.T), which are Fard (Obligatory) upon you, then ask (make Dua) from Allah (S.W.T) and turn towards Him and stand for Him." (Tafseer ibn Jareer)

In AHadith, the Holy Prophet (S.A.W) has stated, "Verily, to ask Dua is Ibaadah" and "Dua is the essence of Ibaadah", and when we ask from Allah (S.W.T), then we should spread our palms and make Dua. Thereafter, we should turn our hands over our face. By doing this, Allah (S.W.T) gives Barakah in it.

In a verse of the Holy Quran, Allah (S.W.T) says: "(O Beloved Muhammed) when My devotees ask you about Me, I am very near to them. I answer their call when they submit to Me. Then they should obey My Command and should believe in Me, so that they may get correct direction." (Part 2, Ruku 7, Ayah 186)

Those who object to making Dua after the Janaza Salaah say the Janaza Salaah by itself is a Dua, so there is no need for a second Dua.

The Holy Quran and the AHadith do not state anywhere that it is not permissible to recite a second Dua after the first one or that if you recite a second Dua then the first Dua will not be accepted.

The Ahle Sunnah Wal Jamaat have proof that to make Dua once, twice or more than that, is permissible. It has been stated in the Holy Quran: "And your Rubb (Sustainer) says, “pray to Me, I shall acknowledge your call. Surely, those who are boastful to worship Me, soon will enter the Hell disgraced."(Part24,Ruku11,Ayah 60)

In this Quranic verse, Allah (S.W.T) clearly commanded the Believers to make Dua. Allah (S.W.T) has given a distinct sign of accepting the Dua’s of the Believers.