Guidance of the UHJ Regarding Prayer for the Dead

1. The saying of this prayer is, indeed, the only essential element of a Bahá’í funeral service…UHJ 1984

2. Bahá’u’lláh has clarified that the Prayer for the Dead is required only when the deceased is an adult (Q&A 70), that the recital should precede the interment of the deceased, and that there is no requirement to face the Qiblih when saying this prayer (Q&A 85). ~ The Kitáb-i-Aqdas, 1992 ed

3. Thus, the prayer must be recited at the funeral service, whether the service precedes going to the graveside or is held at the graveside and before the burial takes place. ~ UHJ to NSA of Canada, July 1993
Note: Regarding whether the bereaved family could say the prayer privately shortly after the death of their loved one, the Research Department has not located any text prohibiting this. This recitation would not, obviously, void the requirement of saying the prayer at the funeral service.~ UHJ to NSA of Canada – July 1993

4. The Prayer for the Dead … is the only Bahá’í obligatory prayer which is to be recited in congregation; it is to be recited by one believer while all present stand in silence (see note 19).

5. This prayer allows for a change in gender. Other prayers for the dead are optional, but if used they are to be used as revealed. ~ Universal House of Justice, Lights of Guidance, p.199–-200