لَا تُصَلُّ عَلَى أَحَدٍ مِنْهُمْ مَاتَ أَبَدًا وَلَا تَقُمْ عَلَى قَبْرِهِ إِنَّهُمْ كَفَرُوا بِاللَّهِ وَرَسُولِهِ وَمَاتُوا وَهُمْ فَاسِقُونَ
And never pray [funeral prayer] over any of them who has died, nor stand over his grave. Indeed, they disbelieved in Allah and His Messenger and died while they were defiantly disobedient.
La tusalli 'ala ahadin minhum mata abadan wa la taqum 'ala qabrihi. Innshum kafaroo billahi wa Rasoolihi wa matoo wa hum fasiqoon.
When to Read
This verse itself serves as a divine directive from Allah swt regarding the deceased who were known hypocrites (munafiqeen). It is not a dua to be recited for them, but rather a statement of prohibition for the Prophet ﷺ and, by extension, the believers, from performing the funeral prayer or standing at the grave of such individuals. The prohibition stems from their manifest disbelief and persistent disobedience. Therefore, for those who are known to have died as munafiqeen, performing the funeral prayer for them is not permitted according to this verse.
How to Read
This is a Quranic verse, not a dua for personal recitation. It is a command from Allah swt. The understanding and implementation of this verse mean refraining from performing the funeral prayer for individuals definitively known to be hypocrites. The Prophet ﷺ himself was prevented from praying over a hypocrite who had a certain debt, indicating the seriousness of this matter (Sahih Muslim 1619).
Virtues & Benefits
Understanding and adhering to this verse highlights the severity of hypocrisy and defiance against Allah swt and His Messenger ﷺ. It emphasizes the importance of sincere faith and righteous action. While we are commanded to show mercy and make dua for believers, this verse sets a clear boundary for those whose outward actions and known inner state indicate disbelief and persistent sin, preventing the community from participating in rituals that signify belief.