Question
As far as we know, the Sunnah portions to recite at the graveside after burial are the opening and concluding verses of Surah al-Baqarah.
Kindly clarify the number of ayaat to be recited at which side of the grave.
Answer
It is preferable to recite the beginning and concluding verses of Surah Baqarah as mentioned in the following Hadith:
Ibn Umar radiyallahu ‘anhu is reported to have said: When anyone among you passes away, do not detain him but take him to his grave quickly. And (at the grave) recite at his head the initial verses of Surah Baqarah and, at his feet, the concluding verses of Surah Baqarah.
a. Mulla Ali Qari Rahimahullah explains:
“Beginning verses of Surah Baqarah refer to Verse 1-5 (from the beginning until مفلحون (and the concluding verses refer to the last portion of the Surah from الرسول آمنtill the end of it.”
Checked and Approved By:
Mufti Muhammed Saeed Motara Saheb D.B.
References
کتاب النوازل ص۶۲۲۱ ط: دارالاشاعت