Dua At The Time Of Burial

After the deceased is buried and the grave is filled with soil, one of the Ulama recites the opening and concluding verses of Surah Baqarah. Thereafter, Dua is made for the deceased, while the people remain gathered around the grave.

Recently, one of the scholars suggested that this practice should be abolished. He mentioned that although making Dua and seeking forgiveness for the deceased after burial is established from the Sunnah, Dua should preferably be made individually, facing the Qiblah. There is a concern that many people may leave after the burial without making any Dua at all.

Q1) What is the Shari’ ruling regarding the recitation of the opening and closing verses of Surah Baqarah, followed by collective Dua after burial?

Q2) Is it necessary or preferable that the Dua be made individually while facing the Qiblah, or is it permissible for one person to make Dua while the others say Aameen and raise their hands, as is the practice currently in most places in South Africa.

Q3. Considering the circumstances and understanding of people today, what is the view and practice advised by contemporary Muftis and senior Ulama? Would it be better to abolish the existing practice completely, or may it continue so that people at least participate in making Dua for the deceased, provided it is not regarded as compulsory or part of the burial itself?