Dua for the Buried | Islamic Supplication After Burial

After the burial is complete, it is a Sunnah to stand at the grave and pray for the deceased. The Prophet ﷺ told his companions: 'Ask for forgiveness for your brother and ask that he be rendered steadfast, for he is now being questioned.'

اللَّهُمَّ اغْفِرْ لَهُ وَثَبِّتْهُ

Transliteration

Allahummaghfir lahu wa thabbithu.

Translation

O Allah, forgive him and make him firm.

Source

Hadith — Sunan Abi Dawud — Asking forgiveness and steadfastness after burial

Authenticity: Hasan/Sahih according to hadith grading

Meaning and Explanation

This prayer asks for two vital things: Allah's forgiveness (Maghfirah) for the person's sins and steadfastness (Thabat) so they can answer the questions of the angels Munkar and Nakir correctly.

When to Recite

Recite it immediately after the burial is finished, while standing at the graveside.

How to Recite

Recite it sincerely. You can repeat it three times as was the habit of the Prophet ﷺ. Adjust the pronoun to 'laha' for a female or 'lahum' for a group.

Important Notes

This practice is based on an authentic Hadith in Sunan Abi Dawud. It is recommended for the attendees to stay for a while to make this dua.

Benefits

It provides spiritual support for the deceased at their most vulnerable moment. It also serves as a final act of brotherhood for the one being buried.

Additional Duas

اللَّهُمَّ ثَبِّتْهُ عِنْدَ السُّؤَالِ

Allahumma thabbithu 'indas-su'al

O Allah, make him firm during the questioning.

Source

Hadith — Sunan Abi Dawud — Abu Dawud 3221

Authenticity: Sahih (Authentic)

Narrated by Uthman ibn Affan (RA) that the Prophet ﷺ used to stand over the grave after burial and give this instruction.

Content type: Hadith

Tags: burial grave steadfastness forgiveness funeral thabat