Salat al-Janazah (the Islamic Funeral Prayer) is a collective obligation (fard kifayah) upon the Muslim community. If some Muslims perform it, the obligation is lifted from the rest. If no one performs it, all are sinful. It is a prayer for the deceased, asking Allah for forgiveness, mercy, and peace for the departed soul.
“Every soul shall taste death. Then to Us will you be returned.”
Surah Al-Ankabut (29:57)
How to Perform the Janazah (Funeral) Prayer
- Ensure Taharah (Purity): You must be in a state of wudu (ablution).
- Form Rows: The congregation stands in rows behind the body. The Imam stands by the chest of the deceased male or the waist of a female.
- Make the Intention (Niyyah): Silently intend in your heart: “I intend to pray Salat al-Janazah for the sake of Allah and to seek forgiveness for the deceased.”
- First Takbir: Say “Allahu Akbar” and raise your hands, then place them over your chest. Recite Surah Al-Fatiha.
- Second Takbir: Say “Allahu Akbar” again without raising your hands. Recite Salawat (Darood Ibrahimi).
“Allahumma salli ‘ala Muhammad wa ‘ala aali Muhammad, kama sallayta ‘ala Ibraheema wa ‘ala aali Ibraheem, innaka Hameedun Majeed.
Allahumma barik ‘ala Muhammad wa ‘ala aali Muhammad, kama barakta ‘ala Ibraheema wa ‘ala aali Ibraheem, innaka Hameedun Majeed.
- Third Takbir: Say “Allahu Akbar” and then make du'a for the deceased. The most well-known supplication is:
“Allahummaghfir lihayyinaa, wa mayyitinaa, wa shaahidinaa, wa ghaaa’ibinaa, wa sagheerinaa wa kabeerinaa, wa dhakarinaa wa unthaanaa. Allahumma man ahyaytahu minnaa fa ahyihi ‘alal-Islaam, wa man tawaffaytahu minnaa fa tawiffahu ‘alal-eemaan.”
Translation: “O Allah, forgive our living and our dead, those present and those absent, our young and our old, our males and our females. O Allah, whomsoever You keep alive from among us, keep him alive upon Islam, and whomsoever You cause to die from among us, cause him to die upon faith.”
- Fourth Takbir: Say “Allahu Akbar” again. You may make a short du'a or remain silent for a few moments.
- Taslim: End the prayer by turning your head to the right and saying: “As-salamu ‘alaykum wa rahmatullah”. Some scholars recommend a second taslim to the left.
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Additional Duas After Third Takbir
You may say any of the following authentic prayers after the third takbir:
O Allah, forgive him, have mercy on him, give him strength, pardon him, be generous to him, cause his entrance to be wide and wash him with water, snow and hail. Cleanse him of sins as a white garment is cleansed of dirt.
[Abu Dawood]
O Allah, make him/her a predecessor, a forerunner, and a treasure for his/her parents and an intercessor whose intercession is accepted.
What the Qur'an Says About Death
Death is not the end, but a transition to the Hereafter. The Janazah prayer is our plea to Allah to show mercy to our deceased brother or sister. Allah says:
“Indeed, the righteous will be in pleasure, and indeed, the wicked will be in Hellfire.”
Surah Al-Infitar (82:13–14)
Etiquettes of Attending a Janazah
- Arrive early to join the prayer with the congregation.
- Remain silent and avoid unnecessary talking.
- Wear clean and respectful clothing.
- Make dua for the deceased and their family even after burial.
Why Janazah Prayer is Important
The Prophet Muhammad (ﷺ) said:
“Whoever attends the funeral until the prayer is offered will have one Qirat, and whoever attends until the burial will have two Qirats, each Qirat like the size of Mount Uhud.”
[Sahih Bukhari]
This hadith shows the immense reward associated with praying Janazah and following through to the burial.
Salat al-Janazah is a sacred final gift we offer to the deceased. It reminds us of the reality of death and the importance of supplicating for our fellow Muslims. We should learn it, practice it, and never neglect it when the opportunity comes.
Is Salat al-Janazah obligatory?
It is a communal obligation (fard kifayah). If no one performs it, all are sinful.
Can women attend Janazah prayer?
Yes, women may attend and pray the Janazah prayer, though it is not required.
Is there Sujood or Ruku in Janazah prayer?
No. Janazah prayer consists only of standing and takbirs. There is no bowing or prostration.
Source:
www.iqranetwork.com, www.amaacemetery.org
