How Muslims Perform Janazah (Funeral Prayer)
In Islam, the funeral prayer, known as Salat al-Janazah, holds profound spiritual significance. This ritual brings the Muslim community together to pay their final respects to the deceased, seek Allah’s mercy, and pray for a peaceful passage to the hereafter. It embodies values of compassion, community, and remembrance, which are central to Islamic teachings.
The Purpose of Janazah
Janazah is considered a communal obligation (Fard Kifayah). If enough members of the community perform it, the obligation is fulfilled for everyone. This prayer allows Muslims to honour the deceased, seek forgiveness on their behalf, and reflect on the inevitability of death.
Importance of Participating in Janazah
Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) emphasized the importance of participating in funerals and performing the Janazah prayer. He said, “Whoever follows a funeral procession and offers the prayer for the deceased will have one Qirat of reward, and whoever remains until the burial will have two Qirats of reward,” with one Qirat being as significant as Mount Uhud (Sahih Bukhari).
Structure of the Janazah Prayer
The Janazah prayer is unique in Islamic worship because it is performed while standing, without bowing (Ruku) or prostration (Sujood). The prayer consists of four Takbirs (saying “Allahu Akbar”), each followed by specific prayers.
First Takbir: Recitation of Al-Fatiha
The prayer begins with the recitation of Al-Fatiha, the opening chapter of the Quran, which seeks guidance, mercy, and the path of righteousness.
Second Takbir: Invocation for the Prophet
After the second Takbir, the congregation recites Salat al-Ibrahimiyyah, invoking blessings upon Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) and his family.
Third Takbir: Prayers for the Deceased
Following the third Takbir, prayers for the deceased and the entire Muslim community are offered. These prayers ask Allah for forgiveness, mercy, and admittance into Paradise for the departed.
Fourth Takbir: Concluding Supplication
The final Takbir is accompanied by a brief supplication for the well-being of those present, which concludes the prayer.
How Janazah is Performed
The Janazah prayer is typically conducted in a mosque or an open area. The deceased is placed before the congregation, with the Imam leading the prayer. The congregation stands solemnly behind him in rows, reflecting the simplicity and humility of Islamic worship. After the prayer, the body is taken to the burial site for the final rites.
The Best Dua for the Deceased
A highly recommended dua, narrated from the Prophet (peace and blessings of Allah be upon him), is:
“Allahumma ighfir lihayyina wa mayyitina wa shahidina wa ghaibina wa saghirina wa kabirina wa dhakarina wa unthana. Allaahumma man ahyaytahu minna fa ahyihi ‘ala’l-Islam wa man tawaffaytahu minna fa tawaffahu ‘ala’l-iman. Allahumma ighfir lahu warhamhu wa ‘afihi wa a’fu ‘anhu, wa akrim nuzulahu wa wassi’ madkhalahu waghsilhu bi’l-ma wa’l-thalj wa’l-barad, wa naqqihi min al-khataya kama yunaqqa al-thawb al-abyad min al-danas. Allahumma abdilhu daran khayran min darihi wa ahlan khayran min ahlihi. Allahumma adkhilhu al-jannah wa a’idhhu min ‘adhab il-qabri wa min ‘adhab il-nar wa afsah lahu fi qabrihi wa nawwir lahu fihi. Allahumma la tahrimna ajrahu wa la tadillana ba’dahu.”
If you choose to make du’a’ with other words, it is acceptable. For example, you could say: “Allahumma in kana muhsinan fa zid fi ihsanihi wa in kana museean fa tajawaz ‘an sayiatihi. Allahumma ighfir lahu wa thabbit-hu bi’l-qawl il-thabit.” (O Allah, if he was a doer of good, then increase his good deeds, and if he was a wrongdoer, then overlook his bad deeds. O Allah, forgive him and give him the strength to say the right thing).
Spiritual Importance
The Janazah prayer serves as a poignant reminder of life’s fleeting nature and the importance of preparing for the hereafter. It offers the living a chance to reflect on their mortality, renew their faith, and seek Allah’s forgiveness for the deceased.
Conclusion: A Sacred Duty
In Islam, death is viewed as a transition rather than an end. The Janazah prayer is a final act of kindness for the deceased, reinforcing the values of community, faith, and remembrance.
Performing the Janazah prayer is a sacred duty in Islam, carried out with deep respect and sincerity. It reflects the core Islamic principles of compassion, humility, and communal responsibility. At Bakerview Memorial, we understand the importance of honouring your loved ones according to their faith. Our team is dedicated to supporting the Muslim community in performing the Janazah prayer and ensuring the burial process is conducted with the dignity and respect that Islam requires.
We also offer Burial sites for Muslims and you can get more information on: https://bakerviewmemorial.ca/cemetery-property/specialty/#islamic-burial
May Allah grant mercy to the deceased and patience to those who mourn. Ameen.
Published: August 28, 2024
