The Janazah Prayer, also known as Salat al-Janazah, is a necessary part of the Islamic funeral rites. It is a collective obligation upon all Muslims (farḍ al-kifaya), meaning that if some Muslims perform the prayer, the obligation is fulfilled; however, if no one fulfills it, then all Muslims will be accountable. This prayer, performed in congregation, is a powerful act of seeking forgiveness for the deceased and all deceased Muslims, making it a basis of funeral and burial traditions in Islam.
Understanding and performing the Salat al-Janazah correctly is not just a choice, but a necessity for every Muslim. It is a way to honor our departed loved ones and fulfill our religious obligations. Read on to learn how to pray the Janazah prayer, the steps, and the powerful dua that we recite for the deceased.
Let’s honor our departed loved ones with the dignity and respect they deserve by performing this sacred duty with sincerity and precision.
Explaining Fard Kifayah (Funeral Prayer)
Being Muslims, we all know that the funeral prayer is a collective obligation or fard kifayah. Performing a Salat al-Janazah requires the participation of enough members of a Muslim community. If a certain number of Muslims take the responsibility of doing it, the obligation is fulfilled, but if no one fulfills it, then all Muslims will be accountable.
Now, what is the minimum number of people for Janazah prayer?
It is better that people make three rows (saf). The minimum number of people for a row is two. Imam Ahmad (ra) said, “If the number of people present at the funeral prayer is very small, I would still prefer that they make three rows.” He was asked, “What if there are only four people present?” He replied, “They may make two rows, with two persons in each line.“
According to a hadith from Hazrat Ibn Abbas (ra), the Prophet PBUH said:
“If a Muslim man dies and a group of forty people, who do not associate anyone with Allah, pray for him, Allah will accept their intercession for him.”
Riyad as-Salihin 933
Hence, the scholars considered it mustahabb to look for a mosque with a large congregation to pray for the deceased. The greater the number, the closer to goodness and the more du’aa will be made.
In another instance, Hazrat Abu Umamah (ra) narrated:
The Messenger of Allah (PBUH) prayed for a deceased with seven people. Then, he arranged three in a saf (the first saf), two in a saf (the second saf), and two in a saf (the third saf).
(Al-Mujam al-Kabir 7785)
Why Praying Janazah is Important?
Attending a funeral is a duty that a Muslim owes to his fellow Muslims.
Al-Bukhaari (1240) and Muslim (2162) narrated that Abu Hurayrah (ra) said: I heard the Messenger of Allah (saw) say:
“The rights of a Muslim on the Muslims are five: to respond to the salaam, visiting the sick, to follow the funeral processions, to accept an invitation, and to reply to those who sneeze.“
Al-Bukhaari (1240) and Muslim (2162)
What is the reward of the Janazah prayer?
The Prophet, peace be upon him, has promised a significant reward for those who follow a funeral caravan (carry the Coffin) and offer prayer for the deceased. He (saw) said:
‘Whoever follows a funeral procession and offers the prayer for the deceased, will get one Qirat of reward. And whoever follows it and remains with it until the body is buried will get two Qirats of reward, the least of which is equal in weight to ‘Mount Uhud.’
Preparing the Deceased for Janazah Prayer
When a Muslim passes away, there are specific steps taken to prepare the body for the Janazah prayer. Here’s a quick guide to these steps:
Ghusl for the Deceased (Mayyit):
The primary purpose is to remove impurities and prepare the body for burial.
- Unlike regular Ghusl, a trusted same-gender relative or another Muslim performs the Ghusl for the deceased.
- The process is done with utmost respect and gentleness, ensuring the body is completely clean.
- Warm water is used, often with added fragrance like sidr (lote leaf) or camphor, to cleanse and leave a pleasant scent.
Note: It is mustahabb (desirable) for a person who washed a dead to perform Ghusl for himself afterward. You can read our detailed guide on how to perform Ghusl by following sunnah principles.
Kafan
The body is wrapped in a simple white cloth called a Kafan. This ensures the deceased is buried with dignity and privacy. Traditionally, the Kafan is made from plain white cotton or linen, symbolizing equality and a reminder of our temporary nature in this life.
- For Men: Typically, three pieces of cloth are used.
- For Women: Usually, five pieces of cloth are used.
Make sure to secure the the kafan using ties for a respectful closure.
Prohibited and Disliked Times for Janazah
Just like every other prayer in Islam, the Makruh times for Salat al-Janazah are specific periods during the day when it is disliked to perform the prayer. These times are:
- When the sun begins to rise until approximately 10-15 minutes after sunrise.
- When the sun is at its peak or its highest point in the sky, Zawwal time.
- When the color of the sun turns pale until it sets completely, which starts approximately 20 minutes before sunset until the sun sets completely.
Continue reading on to find the appropriate times for each salah.
Main Requirements of the Salat al-Janazah
Specific requirements must be met for a valid Janazah prayer, similar to regular prayers, including:
- Intention (Niyyah): Intend to perform the Janazah prayer in your heart.
- Standing for Prayer: Stand during the prayer if you are capable.
- Facing the Qiblah: Lay the body with the face directed towards the Kaaba.
How to Perform Janazah Prayer (Hanafi Method)
The Janazah prayer is performed with the body laid down, facing the Kaaba. Here are the steps to follow:
- First Takbir:
- Say “Allahu Akbar” and raise your hands to the earlobe.
- After Auzubillah and Bismillah, recite Sana’a silently.
- Second Takbir:
- Say “Allahu Akbar” without raising your hands.
- Recite the Salat Ibrahim (or the following Durood for the Janazah prayer).
- Third Takbir:
- Say “Allahu Akbar” without raising your hands.
- Make dua for the deceased, asking Allah for forgiveness and mercy. (Dua’s are mentioned below)
- Fourth Takbir:
- Say “Allahu Akbar” without raising your hands.
- Pause briefly.
- Taslim:
- Conclude with Taslim on both sides, saying, “Assalamu Alaikum wa Rahmatullah.” Some scholars also permit one Taslim to the right.
Dua for Janazah Prayer
The Janazah dua for both female and male adults is; “Allahummaghfir lihayyina wa mayyitina, wa shahidina wa gha’ibina, wa saghirina wa kabirina, wa dhakarina wa unthana. Allahumma man ahyaitahu minna faahyihi ‘alal-Islam, wa man tawaffaytahu minna fa tawaffahu ‘alal- iman. Allahumma la tahrimna ajrahu wa la tudillana ba’dah“
Janazah Dua for Baby Boy
This supplication is made when the deceased is a child/baby boy (i.e. who hasn’t reached puberty).
Janazah Dua for Baby Girl
This supplication is made when the deceased is a child/baby girl (i.e. who hasn’t reached puberty).
Additional Considerations
- Congregational Prayer: It is better to perform the Janazah prayer in the congregation (Jama’ah). The more people attend, the better.
- Imam’s Position: The Imam stands opposite the head of a male body and opposite the middle of a female body. If there are multiple bodies, place them together, and offer a single funeral prayer for all.
- Arriving Late for Funeral Prayer: If a person joins late and misses a part of a funeral prayer, he must continue his prayer after the Imam has concluded the prayer with Taslim. It is permissible for him to make up only missed takbirs, making them consecutively, without necessarily reciting all the supplications.
Frequently Asked Questions about Funeral Prayer
In Islam, it is recommended that we attend funeral prayers to show respect for the deceased and offer support to the grieving family. We should follow the proper procedures and supplications during the funeral prayer.
Yes, non-Muslims can attend a funeral prayer in Islam as observers to show support for their Muslim friends or colleagues who have lost a loved one.
The funeral prayer in Islam has specific supplications and movements that are unique to it, such as the four Takbirs and recitations for seeking forgiveness for the deceased.
In Islamic tradition, women generally do not participate in funeral prayers, as it is predominantly considered a duty for men. Nonetheless, women have the permission to perform funeral prayers, should they choose to do so, while observing the proper Hijab and standing in separate rows behind the men. This ensures upholding the principles of modesty and privacy, as prescribed in Islam.
It’s important to note that while women may offer funeral prayers, it is not customary for them to attend the burial at the graveyard. Islamic teachings suggest that it is preferable for women to refrain from visiting graves, aiming to maintain the solemnity and emotional restraint associated with such occasions.
Conclusion
Salat al-Janazah represents a pivotal aspect of Islamic funeral rites, the collective duty of the Muslim community. It underscores the transient nature of life and the importance of seeking forgiveness and mercy for the departed. As believers engage in the Janazah prayer, they deepen their spiritual connection with Allah, reaffirming their belief in the afterlife. It serves as a poignant reminder to prioritize good deeds as we prepare for the journey that never ends.
