Is it permissible to pray over the deceased individually?

The Sunnah is for the funeral prayer to be performed in congregation, due to the practice of the Prophet, peace and blessings be upon him, and his Companions. However, it is permissible to pray it individually. This is the view of the majority of scholars, including the Hanafis, Shafi'is, and Hanbalis, in contrast to the Malikis who stipulated congregation for its validity. Ibn 'Uthaymeen, may Allah have mercy on him, cited the Companions' individual prayers over the Prophet, peace and blessings be upon him, as evidence for the permissibility of performing the funeral prayer individually.