How to Pray Janazah: A Step-by-Step Guide
Praying Janazah, the funeral prayer in Islam, is a communal obligation (Fard Kifayah). This means that if some Muslims perform it, the obligation is lifted from the rest. If no one performs it, the entire community is held accountable. This article provides a detailed guide on how to pray Janazah, covering the necessary preparations, steps, supplications, and important considerations.
Understanding the Importance of Janazah Prayer
The Janazah prayer is a dua (supplication) for the deceased Muslim. It’s a way for the community to seek Allah’s mercy, forgiveness, and blessings for the departed soul. Performing this prayer is a significant act of kindness and solidarity within the Muslim community, reflecting the strong bonds and shared responsibility towards one another.
Pre-requisites for Janazah Prayer
Before commencing the Janazah prayer, ensure the following conditions are met:
1. Intention (Niyyah): Make a sincere intention in your heart to pray Janazah for the deceased. The intention doesn’t need to be verbalized.
2. Purity (Taharah): You must be in a state of purity, having performed Wudu (ablution) or Ghusl (if required). Cleanliness of body, clothes, and the prayer area is essential.
3. Facing the Qiblah: Face the direction of the Kaaba in Makkah, which is the standard direction for all Islamic prayers.
4. The Body Present: The body of the deceased must be present in front of the Imam or those leading the prayer, unless circumstances necessitate praying Janazah in absentia (Salat al-Gha’ib).
5. Covering the Deceased: The body must be covered properly, typically with a shroud (kafan).
Step-by-Step Guide to Performing Janazah Prayer
The Janazah prayer consists of four Takbirs (saying “Allahu Akbar” – God is the Greatest) and specific supplications after each Takbir. There are no Rukus (bowing) or Sujoods (prostrations) in this prayer.
Step 1: Positioning and Intention
* The Imam (leader of the prayer) stands facing the Qiblah, with the body of the deceased in front of him. The Imam stands in line with the chest of the deceased.
* The Muqtadis (those following the Imam) stand behind the Imam in rows, aligning their shoulders.
* Make the intention (Niyyah) in your heart to pray Janazah for the specific deceased person. For example, “I intend to pray the Janazah prayer for this deceased person, seeking Allah’s pleasure.”
Step 2: First Takbir and Thana (Glorification)
* The Imam raises his hands to his ears (similar to the beginning of other prayers) and says “Allahu Akbar” (God is the Greatest) aloud.
* The Muqtadis also raise their hands and say “Allahu Akbar” silently, then fold their hands on their chest, right hand over the left, as in regular prayer.
* After the first Takbir, recite the *Thana* (glorification of Allah) silently. The commonly recited Thana is:
* **Arabic:** سُبْحَانَكَ اللّٰهُمَّ وَبِحَمْدِكَ وَتَبَارَكَ اسْمُكَ وَتَعَالٰى جَدُّكَ وَلَا إِلٰهَ غَيْرُكَ
* **Transliteration:** Subhanaka Allahumma wa bihamdika, wa tabarakasmuka wa ta’ala jadduka, wa la ilaha ghairuk.
* **Translation:** Glory be to You, O Allah, and all praise is due to You. Blessed is Your name, exalted is Your majesty, and there is no god worthy of worship except You.
Step 3: Second Takbir and Supplication for the Prophet (PBUH)
* The Imam says “Allahu Akbar” aloud.
* The Muqtadis say “Allahu Akbar” silently.
* After the second Takbir, recite the *Salawat* (blessings) upon the Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him). The most common Salawat is:
* **Arabic:** اَللّٰهُمَّ صَلِّ عَلٰى مُحَمَّدٍ وَّعَلٰى آلِ مُحَمَّدٍ كَمَا صَلَّيْتَ عَلٰى إِبْرَاهِيْمَ وَعَلٰى آلِ إِبْرَاهِيْمَ إِنَّكَ حَمِيْدٌ مَّجِيْدٌ اَللّٰهُمَّ بَارِكْ عَلٰى مُحَمَّدٍ وَّعَلٰى آلِ مُحَمَّدٍ كَمَا بَارَكْتَ عَلٰى إِبْرَاهِيْمَ وَعَلٰى آلِ إِبْرَاهِيْمَ إِنَّكَ حَمِيْدٌ مَّجِيْدٌ
* **Transliteration:** Allahumma salli ‘ala Muhammadin wa ‘ala aali Muhammadin, kama sallaita ‘ala Ibrahima wa ‘ala aali Ibrahima innaka hamidum majeed. Allahumma barik ‘ala Muhammadin wa ‘ala aali Muhammadin, kama barakta ‘ala Ibrahima wa ‘ala aali Ibrahima innaka hamidum majeed.
* **Translation:** O Allah, send Your grace and honor upon Muhammad and upon the family of Muhammad, just as You sent grace and honor upon Ibrahim and upon the family of Ibrahim. You are indeed Praiseworthy, Most Glorious. O Allah, send Your blessings upon Muhammad and upon the family of Muhammad, just as You sent blessings upon Ibrahim and upon the family of Ibrahim. You are indeed Praiseworthy, Most Glorious.
Step 4: Third Takbir and Supplication for the Deceased
* The Imam says “Allahu Akbar” aloud.
* The Muqtadis say “Allahu Akbar” silently.
* After the third Takbir, recite a supplication (dua) for the deceased. The specific supplication varies depending on whether the deceased is an adult or a child. Here are some common supplications:
* For an Adult (Male or Female):
* **Arabic:** اَللّٰهُمَّ اغْفِرْ لِحَيِّنَا وَمَيِّتِنَا وَشَاهِدِنَا وَغَائِبِنَا وَصَغِيْرِنَا وَكَبِيْرِنَا وَذَكَرِنَا وَاُنْثَانَا اَللّٰهُمَّ مَنْ أَحْيَيْتَهُ مِنَّا فَأَحْيِهِ عَلَى الْإِسْلَامِ وَمَنْ تَوَفَّيْتَهُ مِنَّا فَتَوَفَّهُ عَلَى الْإِيْمَانِ
* **Transliteration:** Allahummaghfir lihayyina wa mayyitina, wa shahidina wa gha’ibina, wa saghirina wa kabirina, wa dhakarina wa unthana. Allahumma man ahyaitahu minna fa ahyihi ‘alal-Islam, wa man tawaffaitahu minna fa tawaffahu ‘alal-iman.
* **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, whomever You keep alive from us, let him live in Islam, and whomever You cause to die from us, let him die in faith.
* Additionally, you can add the following supplication:
* **Arabic:** اَللّٰهُمَّ اغْفِرْ لَهُ وَارْحَمْهُ وَعَافِهِ وَاعْفُ عَنْهُ وَأَكْرِمْ نُزُلَهُ وَوَسِّعْ مُدْخَلَهُ وَاغْسِلْهُ بِالْمَاءِ وَالثَّلْجِ وَالْبَرَدِ وَنَقِّهِ مِنَ الْخَطَايَا كَمَا نَقَّيْتَ الثَّوْبَ الْأَبْيَضَ مِنَ الدَّنَسِ وَأَبْدِلْهُ دَاراً خَيْراً مِنْ دَارِهِ وَأَهْلاً خَيْراً مِنْ أَهْلِهِ وَزَوْجاً خَيْراً مِنْ زَوْجِهِ وَأَدْخِلْهُ الْجَنَّةَ وَأَعِذْهُ مِنْ عَذَابِ الْقَبْرِ وَمِنْ عَذَابِ النَّارِ
* **Transliteration:** Allahummaghfir lahu warhamhu, wa ‘afihi wa’fu ‘anhu, wa akrim nuzulahu, wa wassi’ mudkhalahu, waghsilhu bil-ma’i wath-thalji wal-barad, wa naqqihi minal-khataya kama naqqaitath-thawbal-abyada minad-danas, wa abdilhu daran khairan min darihi, wa ahlan khairan min ahlihi, wa zawjan khairan min zawjihi, wa adkhilhul-jannata, wa a’idhhu min ‘adhabil-qabri wa min ‘adhabin-nar.
* **Translation:** O Allah, forgive him and have mercy on him, protect him and pardon him, honor his reception, and widen his entrance. Wash him with water, snow, and hail, and cleanse him of his sins as You cleansed the white garment of dirt. Exchange his home for a better home, his family for a better family, and his spouse for a better spouse. Admit him to Paradise and protect him from the torment of the grave and the torment of the Fire.
* For a Child (Male or Female):
* **Arabic:** اَللّٰهُمَّ اجْعَلْهُ لَنَا فَرَطاً وَاجْعَلْهُ لَنَا أَجْراً وَذُخْراً وَاجْعَلْهُ لَنَا شَافِعاً وَمُشَفَّعاً
* **Transliteration:** Allahummaj’alhu lana faratan, waj’alhu lana ajran wa dhukhra, waj’alhu lana shafi’an wa mushaffa’a.
* **Translation:** O Allah, make him a precursor for us, and make him a reward and a treasure for us, and make him an intercessor for us and one whose intercession is accepted.
Step 5: Fourth Takbir and Taslim (Salutation)
* The Imam says “Allahu Akbar” aloud.
* The Muqtadis say “Allahu Akbar” silently.
* After the fourth Takbir, recite the *Taslim* by turning the head to the right, saying:
* **Arabic:** اَلسَّلَامُ عَلَيْكُمْ وَرَحْمَةُ اللّٰهِ
* **Transliteration:** Assalamu alaikum wa rahmatullah.
* **Translation:** Peace be upon you, and the mercy of Allah.
* Then turn the head to the left, saying the same Taslim:
* **Arabic:** اَلسَّلَامُ عَلَيْكُمْ وَرَحْمَةُ اللّٰهِ
* **Transliteration:** Assalamu alaikum wa rahmatullah.
* **Translation:** Peace be upon you, and the mercy of Allah.
This concludes the Janazah prayer.
Important Considerations
* Women’s Participation: Women are permitted to attend and pray the Janazah prayer, standing in rows behind the men.
* Absentee Janazah Prayer (Salat al-Gha’ib): In certain circumstances, such as when the body is not available for prayer due to distance or other reasons, Salat al-Gha’ib can be performed. This is a subject of scholarly debate, with some scholars allowing it and others restricting it to specific cases.
* Number of Rows: It is recommended to have at least three rows of worshippers for the Janazah prayer, as this is considered more virtuous.
* Speed of Prayer: The Janazah prayer is performed quickly, focusing on supplication and seeking forgiveness for the deceased.
* Duas in English: While it is preferable to recite the supplications in Arabic, it is permissible to make dua in English or your native language if you do not know the Arabic supplications, especially if it helps you focus and sincerely pray for the deceased.
* Funerals during COVID-19: The COVID-19 pandemic has introduced many changes to funeral practices. It’s important to adhere to local guidelines and restrictions, which may include limiting the number of attendees, maintaining social distancing, and wearing masks. Some communities may also offer online or virtual Janazah prayers for those unable to attend in person.
* Janazah for Stillborn Babies: There are different opinions on performing Janazah for stillborn babies. Most scholars recommend performing Janazah if the baby is born after four months of gestation (when the soul is believed to be breathed into the fetus). If the baby is born before four months, Janazah is generally not performed, but the baby should be properly buried.
* Repaying Debts: One of the most important acts of kindness towards the deceased is to settle their debts promptly. This is a significant obligation upon the family and heirs.
Etiquette When Attending a Funeral
Attending a funeral and participating in the Janazah prayer are acts of great compassion. Here are some guidelines for proper etiquette:
* Be Respectful: Maintain a respectful and somber demeanor throughout the process.
* Offer Condolences: Offer sincere condolences to the family of the deceased, expressing your sympathy and support.
* Avoid Loud Talking and Distractions: Refrain from loud talking, unnecessary chatter, or any other distractions during the prayer and burial.
* Dress Modestly: Dress modestly and appropriately for the occasion.
* Follow Instructions: Listen to and follow the instructions of the Imam or those organizing the funeral.
* Help with Arrangements: Offer to help with funeral arrangements, such as preparing food for the family or assisting with transportation.
* Make Dua Frequently: Make frequent dua for the deceased, asking Allah to forgive them and grant them Paradise.
* Control Emotions: While grief is natural, try to maintain composure and avoid excessive displays of emotion that may be disruptive to others.
* Attend the Burial: If possible, attend the burial of the deceased. This is considered a highly virtuous act.
Conclusion
Praying Janazah is a vital communal obligation in Islam, representing a profound act of kindness and solidarity towards the deceased and their family. By understanding and properly performing this prayer, we can seek Allah’s mercy and forgiveness for our departed brothers and sisters in faith, fulfilling our duty to the community and earning great reward. May Allah accept our prayers and grant the deceased eternal peace and Jannah. Remember to continuously learn and improve your knowledge of Islamic practices, seeking guidance from reliable sources and scholars. This will enable you to perform your religious duties with sincerity and understanding.