Du`a' for the deceased

Q 6: which is better: Du`a' (supplicating to Allah) for a dead person after burying him, while sitting or while standing?

A: The Sunnah for whoever wishes to supplicate to Allah for a dead person after burying him and leveling the ground is to do it while standing. This is according to what was reported by Abu Dawud that `Uthman (may Allah be pleased with him) said: "Whenever the Prophet (peace be upon him) finished burying the dead, he used to stay (i.e. At his grave) and say: 'Seek forgiveness for your brother and beg steadfastness for him, for he will be questioned now.'" Abu Dawud and Al-Mundhiry kept silent concerning this Hadith. This Hadith was also reported by Al-Hakim who deemed it as an authentic Hadith. Al-Bazzar reported this Hadith and said: "It was not reported from the Prophet (peace be upon him) except through this chain of transmitters."May Allah grant us success. May peace and blessings be upon our Prophet Muhammad, his family, and Companions.