What is the guidance regarding the “viewing” that occurs before Janazah prayer?

Bismillahi Ta’ala

Walaikum Assalam Warahmatullah

Viewing a deceased is neither a requirement nor a recommendation within Islam. It is merely “permissible” to expose the face to see the male deceased. If some effects of akhirah or any changes become visible on the face, which may be misconstrued as the actions of barzakh (such as turning nose, or disfigurement etc), then it is makruh and impermissible to expose the face of such a deceased body.

This permissibility will also be affected if some place adopts this as an expected custom instead of merely permissibility. In some places people expect this viewing in emulation of the customs of general funerals. This should not happen. Not every action that is “permissible” is also desired.

As for deceased female, then her face is awrah and should not be exposed in any scenario.

Wallahu A’lam

And Allah Ta’āla Knows Best
Mufti Faisal al-Mahmudi