Chapter on the Prayer over the Dead

Ahmad ibn Muhammad ibn Isa from Muhammad ibn Isma’il ibn Bazi‘ from Muhammad ibn ‘Udhafir from ‘Uqbah from Imam Ja’far عليه السلام, who said: Imam Ja’far عليه السلام, peace be upon him, was asked about the takbir over the funerals. Imam عليه السلام said: “That is up to the family of the deceased whatever they wish, they may pronounce in takbirs.” It was said to Imam عليه السلام: “They (chose to) pronounce four takbirs.” Imam عليه السلام said: “That is up to them.” Then Imam عليه السلام said: “Has it (a report)not reached you that a man was prayed over by Imam Ali عليه السلام, peace be upon him, and Imam عليه السلام pronounced five takbirs over him until he prayed over him five prayers, pronouncing five takbirs in each (Salat Al Mayyit) prayer?” He (Uqbah) said: “Then Imam عليه السلام said: ‘Indeed, he was a Badri, ‘Uqabi, Uhudi, and he was among the naqib (leaders) whom the Messenger of Allah سبحانه وتعالى, may Allah سبحانه وتعالى bless him and his family, chose from among the twelve, so he had five virtues’. Therefore, Imam Ali عليه السلام prayed over him; one (Salat Al Mayyit) prayer for each virtue.”