Ruling on Reciting Surah Ya-Sin Collectively at the Burial

Question

The second question: reciting Surah Ya-Sin collectively at the burial?

Answer (English translation)

The Shaykh:

This too is one of the innovations (bid'ah). Reciting Ya-Sin at the burial is an innovation, and doing it collectively is also an innovation — so it is an innovation on top of an innovation. It has been reported in the hadith: "Recite Ya-Sin over your dead." Some scholars have graded this hadith as weak and said it is not authentically reported from the Prophet (peace and blessings be upon him and his family). Those who graded it authentic said that what is meant is to recite it over the dying person whose end has drawn near; a person's approaching death is recognized by clear signs witnessed by those attending him, so Surah Ya-Sin is recited. It has been said that reciting Surah Ya-Sin at the deathbed eases the departure of the soul — and Allah knows best. As for reciting it at the grave, this is an innovation without doubt.