Janazah, the Islamic funeral prayer, is a critical part of a Muslim’s final rites, embodying the collective responsibility (Fard Kifayah) of the community to honor the deceased. Performing Janazah requires not only understanding the prayer itself but also recognizing its significance in the larger framework of Islamic traditions. Below is a detailed, step-by-step guide on how to perform Janazah correctly.
The Importance of Janazah in Islam
Janazah is a unique prayer the Muslim community offers to seek forgiveness and mercy for the departed. Unlike other prayers, Janazah does not involve bowing (ruku) or prostration (sujood), but it is deeply significant in interceding on behalf of the deceased.
In Islam, the preparation for burial, including Janazah, is a communal obligation. If some people fulfil it, the rest are absolved, but if no one performs it, the entire community bears the sin. Therefore, understanding how to perform Janazah correctly ensures that communal duty is upheld while honouring the dead in the most dignified manner.
Preparing for Janazah
Before Janazah is performed, the body of the deceased undergoes a purification ritual called “Ghusl” (washing), followed by being wrapped in a simple white cloth (kafan). After the deceased is prepared, they are brought to the congregation, where the Janazah prayer will take place. The prayer is typically performed in a mosque or an open field near the graveyard, but it can also be held in a house of mourning if needed.
How to Perform Janazah – Step By Step:
1. Formation of the Congregation
The congregation for Janazah stands in straight rows, facing the Qiblah (the direction of the Ka’bah in Mecca). The imam, who leads the prayer, stands directly in front of the body if the deceased is male. If the deceased is female, the imam stands more toward the middle of the body.
The congregation should ideally be in an odd number of rows, as this is seen as more virtuous according to the Sunnah. More rows symbolize greater unity and participation from the Muslim community.
2. Four Takbeers
The Janazah prayer consists of four Takbeers (the phrase “Allahu Akbar,” meaning “God is Great”). Between each Takbeer, different supplications are made, as detailed below.
- First Takbeer: After the first Takbeer, the congregation silently recites Surah Al-Fatiha, the opening chapter of the Qur’an. This chapter, filled with praise and supplication, sets the tone for seeking Allah’s mercy for the deceased.
- Second Takbeer: Following the second Takbeer, the congregation recites Salat al-Ibrahimiyyah, a special prayer for blessings on the Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) and his family. This is similar to what is recited in the regular daily prayers.
- Third Takbeer: After the third Takbeer, the congregation makes a supplication (du’a) for the deceased. There are various authentic du’as recommended, such as: “O Allah, forgive him/her, have mercy on him/her, and protect him/her from punishment and affliction.” The congregation may also include additional personal du’as for the departed.
- Fourth Takbeer: In the final Takbeer, a brief du’a can be made asking for general blessings, and some schools of thought recommend a specific du’a for the living as well. After this, the imam concludes the prayer by giving one Tasleem (saying “As-salamu ‘alaykum wa rahmatullah” to the right).
Key Supplications (Du’as) in Janazah
After the third Takbeer, it is recommended to recite the following du’a for the deceased:
“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, whomever You keep alive from us, keep him alive in Islam, and whomever You cause to die from us, cause him to die in faith.”
This du’a highlights the collective plea for mercy, not only for the deceased but also for the living, acknowledging life and death as parts of the divine decree(
Etiquette and Other Considerations for Janazah
- Women and Janazah: Although it is highly recommended for everyone, including women, to attend and perform the Janazah prayer, the permissibility of women following the procession to the gravesite can vary based on local customs and interpretations. Some scholars allow women to visit the graveyard, while others suggest they avoid the burial area to prevent excessive grief
- Offering Condolences (Azza): Following the burial, it is a part of Islamic tradition to offer condolences to the family of the deceased. The Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) emphasized the importance of comforting the grieving family, offering du’as for their strength and patience during this challenging time
Virtues and Rewards of Attending Janazah
The Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) stated, “Whoever follows a funeral procession and prays for the deceased will earn a Qirat of reward, and whoever follows it until burial will receive two Qirats, each of which is equivalent to the size of Mount Uhud.” This hadith underscores the immense spiritual benefits of attending Janazah, even if one cannot stay for the entire burial.
Conclusion
Performing the Janazah prayer is a noble act of worship and a collective responsibility that emphasises the unity and compassion of the Muslim community. Whether offering the prayer or participating in other aspects of the funeral process, the emphasis remains on respect, mercy, and seeking Allah’s forgiveness for the deceased.
By following the correct procedures and reciting the appropriate supplications, the community fulfils this obligation and supports the family in a time of loss. By understanding and practising how to perform Janazah prayer, you uphold an essential aspect of Islamic tradition, offering prayers for the deceased and, in turn, contributing to the spiritual welfare of the entire community.