Is it a prerequisite to confirm that the deceased has been washed and shrouded in order to offer the funeral prayer for him while he is absent in another country, or is it permissible to pray for him merely upon confirming his death?

The basis for the permissibility of performing the funeral prayer (Salat al-Janazah) for an absent Muslim deceased, according to those who permit it, is the prayer performed by the Prophet, peace and blessings be upon him, over the Negus. Those who forbid it contend that this was specific to the Prophet, peace and blessings be upon him.