May A Funeral Prayer In Absentia Be Established?

May a funeral prayer in absentia be established?

The essential point in performing funeral prayer is that the corpse is present. However, funeral prayer may be established for a corpse that is not present as well. Because the Messenger of Allah (saw) informed people about the death of Najashi (Negus) of Abyssinia, then went in front of the congregation in order to perform his funeral prayer, and the Companions formed rows behind him (Bukhari, Jana’iz, 55; Muslim, Jana’iz, 63). Jabir ibn Abdullah (ra) who was present there said, “The Messenger of Allah (saw) performed funeral prayer (in absentia) for al-Najashi. and I was in the second or third row.” (Bukhari, Jana’iz, 53)

Also, it is known that the Messenger of Allah (saw) performed funeral prayer in absentia for Uhud martyrs (Bukhari, Jana’iz, 73) and for the deceased that were buried without informing him (Bukhari, Jana’iz, 56).

Source: Presidency Of Religious Affairs The Turkey, High Board of Religious Affairs FATWA