Question:
What is the ruling of uncovering the face of the deceased before the funeral prayer after he has been washed and shrouded?
Answer:
We do not advise this because some of the facial features they used to know may have changed which may make them think badly of him, even though he is a good man who this change may have occured to from the severity and pains of death, so he should not be thought badly of.
But if he has been prepared prior to being enshrouded then there is nothing wrong with that because Abū Bakr did indeed remove that covering from the Prophet ﷺ and kiss him.
As for after he has been enshrouded and presented for the prayer, we do not advise uncovering his face infront of the people because he may be thought badly of. They should leave him as he is, there is no need to uncover his face, but having said that it does not reach the point of being harām.
Answered by: Shaykh Abū Bilāl – may Allāh preserve him
Source: https://t.me/abubilalhami/9018
Answered on: 21st Dhul- Al-Qi’dah 1443 (20th June 2022)
Translated by: Abū Sufyān Sāmi ibn Daniel Al-Ghāni