Janaza Prayer
I still remember the first funeral prayer I attended. The atmosphere was quiet. There was a strange solemnity in the air. There were no long speeches, no noise. Just people standing in rows, shoulder to shoulder, with their heads bowed. At that moment, I realized strongly that funeral prayer is not just a ritual. It is the name of one’s last love, last prayer, and last right to pay for oneself.
If you have ever wondered what funeral prayer is, why it is offered, and how it is offered, then this complete guide is for you.
What is funeral prayer
The funeral prayer is the special prayer that is offered for a Muslim after his death. It is a sufficient obligation. This means that if some people offer it, the obligation is waived for everyone else. But if the entire society leaves it, everyone is a sinner.
It is different from ordinary prayers. There is no bowing or prostration in it. Just standing up, four takbirs are said and prayers are offered for the deceased.
When I stood in line for the first time, I felt that everyone was equal here. There is no rich, no poor. There is no big, no small. Everyone is standing in the same direction and asking for the same prayer. Praying for forgiveness from Allah.
Importance of Funeral Prayer
Funeral prayer has great importance in Islam. The Messenger of Allah (ﷺ) himself used to lead the funeral prayer and encouraged his companions to participate in it. It has been mentioned in the hadiths that whoever attends the funeral and prays gets a great reward.
Funeral prayer reminds us of death. A person thinks about his deeds. He remembers his shortcomings. And he vows in his heart that he will now live a better life.
This prayer is both a prayer for the deceased and an advice for the living.
Conditions of Funeral Prayer
Before performing the funeral prayer, it is important to keep a few things in mind.
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The deceased must be a Muslim.
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He has been bathed.
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He has been shrouded.
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The body has been placed in front of the worshippers.
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The worshippers are in ablution.
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The prayer should be performed standing.
I felt strange when I saw the white shroud for the first time. Simple cloth. No adornment, no pomp and show. It reminded me that ultimately we all have to go before Allah with this simplicity.
How to perform the funeral prayer
There are four takbirs in the funeral prayer. The entire act is performed standing.
First takbir
Say Allahu Akbar and fold your hands. Then recite Surah Al-Fatiha in a low voice.
This moment is very serious. You are standing before Allah and are praying for someone who can no longer pray for himself.
Second takbir
Say Allahu Akbar again. Then recite Durood-e-Ibrahimi, as you recite in the last qa’da of a normal prayer.
This reminds us that we are following the Sunnah of the Prophet in every situation.
Third takbir
Say Allahu Akbar for the third time. Now pray for the deceased. Pray to Allah for his forgiveness, mercy, ease of grave and Paradise.
This is the most important part of the prayer. When I first heard the Imam recite the prayer in a low voice, my heart was filled. There was pain and sincerity in every word.
Fourth takbir
Say Allahu Akbar for the fourth time. Pause for a moment. Then turn to the right for greetings. According to some scholars, the greeting can be done in both directions.
The prayer is complete. The action is short but the effect is profound.
Also Read: Master Islamic Prayer Time in Philadelphia – Ultimate Guide
Where does the Imam stand?
If the deceased is a man, the Imam stands near his head.
If the deceased is a woman, the Imam stands in the middle.
This method is proven by the Sunnah. The beauty of Islam is that there is guidance even in the smallest details.
Can women attend the funeral prayer?
Yes, women can perform the funeral prayer. There is disagreement on some jurisprudential issues, especially about going to the cemetery, but it is permissible to perform the prayer.
The main thing is modesty, veil and etiquette.
What to do if the funeral is missed?
If for some reason the funeral prayer is missed and the burial has already taken place, one can also perform the prayer by going to the grave. This practice is proven by the Prophet (peace and blessings of Allah be upon him).
This is evidence of the ease and mercy of Islam.
The spiritual effect of the funeral prayer
A person changes by standing at the funeral. At least that’s what happened to me.
I was standing in line thinking that one day people will stand for me in the same way. This thought alone makes a person tremble.
You look at your deeds. You think about your prayers. You remember the rights of your parents, children, and friends. Your heart softens.
Funeral prayer is a prayer for the deceased, but it is also an awakening for the living.
Common questions
Is funeral prayer obligatory
Is it a sufficient obligation?
Can one pray funeral prayer alone?
Yes, if one is absent from the congregation, one can pray alone.
Is there an adhan or an iqamah in it?
No, there is neither an adhan nor an iqamah for funeral prayer.
How many rows should there be?
If possible, it is recommended to make at least three rows.
Simplicity of Islamic funerals
The greatest virtue of an Islamic funeral is its simplicity. No extravagance or display. White shroud, short prayer, simple burial.
When the dead body is lowered into the grave and the soil is poured, a special feeling comes over the heart. People pray silently and then return.
Life goes on. But something changes in the heart.
What I learned
After attending many funerals, I learned a few things.
Life is very short.
Relationships are more valuable than wealth.
Good character is the greatest legacy.
Prayer is the most valuable gift we can give to someone.
Preparing for death does not mean fear. Rather, it means awareness. Responsibility. Truth.
The last thing
Funeral prayer is a very humble and powerful act of Islam. It does not involve many movements, nor long recitations. But its spiritual weight is very high.
It teaches us togetherness. It teaches brotherhood. It softens hearts. And reminds us that the real life is in the hereafter.
The next time you hear about a funeral, try to participate. Stand in line. Raise your hand. Pray for your Muslim brother or sister.
And pray for yourself too.
Because one day people will line up for you in the same way.
FAQs
How to pray janazah prayer step by step?
Janazah prayer is performed standing with four takbeers. After the first takbeer, recite Surah Al Fatiha. After the second, recite Durood on the Prophet ﷺ. After the third, make dua for the deceased. After the fourth, end with salam. There is no ruku or sujood in this prayer.
Can Muslims cry at funerals?
Yes, Muslims are allowed to cry at funerals. Crying out of sadness is natural and permissible. However, loud wailing, screaming, or complaining against Allah’s decree is not allowed in Islam.
Is Janaza namaz farz?
Yes, Janaza namaz is Farz Kifayah. This means it is a communal obligation. If some members of the community perform it, the duty is fulfilled for everyone. If no one performs it, the whole community is sinful.
Do Muslims have to be buried within 24 hours of death?
Islam encourages burying the deceased as soon as possible, usually within 24 hours if circumstances allow. However, delays are permitted if there are legal, medical, or practical reasons.
How long does a janazah take?
The Janazah prayer itself usually takes about 5 to 10 minutes. The full funeral process, including burial, may take 30 minutes to an hour depending on arrangements.
Is it haram to be put in a coffin?
No, it is not haram to be placed in a coffin. In Islam, burial directly in the ground is preferred. However, using a coffin is allowed if required by local laws or necessary for protection and practical reasons.
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