SECTION ON FUNERALS · 46 – SENDING OFF THE DECEASED WITH FIRE
3171 – It is narrated from Abū Hurayra (may Allah be pleased with him) that the Messenger of God (peace and blessings be upon him) said: “One should not follow a funeral with (raised) voices or with fire.” In the narration of Hārūn ibn ʿAbd Allāh, the phrase “nor should one walk in front of the funeral” is also added.
EXPLANATION
Just as it is not proper to walk behind the deceased while mourning and wailing, it is also prohibited to follow the funeral procession with fire, such as a torch. In another narration, it is also forbidden to walk in front of the funeral while wailing and carrying fire. To accompany the deceased in this manner is considered reprehensible (makrūh).