How to Perform Janaza Prayer: A Step-by-Step Guide.

The Janaza prayer, also known as the Islamic funeral prayer, is significant in Islamic tradition and spirituality. It’s a duty and a heartfelt prayer that seeks forgiveness and mercy for the deceased. Whether you’re a beginner trying to understand the process or an experienced Muslim looking to refine your knowledge, this guide will provide comprehensive insights to help you perform the Janaza prayer sincerely and passionately.

Let’s delve into this step-by-step guide to performing Janaza prayer and explore its importance, rituals, and etiquette in 2024.

What is Janaza Prayer?

The Janaza prayer is a collective obligation (Fard Kifayah) for Muslims, meaning if some community members perform it, the responsibility is lifted from the rest. It is a unique prayer with no Rukuh (bowing) or Sujud (prostration), and it consists primarily of Takbirs (saying “Allahu Akbar”), specific supplications, and peace salutations. The Janaza prayer is a way for Muslims to seek forgiveness, mercy, and a peaceful afterlife for the deceased.

The Importance of Janaza Prayer in Islam

The Janaza prayer is a powerful expression of unity, compassion, and support within the Muslim community. Performing it is an act of solidarity with the deceased and their family. It is highly recommended for Muslims to participate in the Janaza prayer as it serves multiple purposes:

Seeking Forgiveness for the Deceased: The prayer asks Allah (SWT) to grant mercy and forgiveness to the deceased.
Showing Support and Compassion: Attending the Janaza prayer comforts the grieving family and shows a sense of communal support.
Earning Great Rewards: According to a Hadith by Prophet Muhammad (PBUH), participating in the Janaza prayer and following the procession until burial can earn a reward as great as two mountain-sized heaps of goodness.

When is Janaza Prayer Performed?

Janaza prayer is performed after the deceased’s body has been washed (Ghusl) and shrouded (Kafan). It usually occurs in a mosque, an open area, or a designated prayer space near the burial ground. The prayer is offered before the burial and should be done promptly to honor the deceased.

Prerequisites for Performing Janaza Prayer

Before performing the Janaza prayer, certain prerequisites and conditions need to be fulfilled:

State of Purity (Taharah): Perform Wudu (ablution) and ensure that you are physically and spiritually pure.
Intention (Niyyah): Make a sincere intention to perform the Janaza prayer for the sake of Allah and the deceased.
Proper Dress Code: Wear modest and clean clothing that adheres to Islamic principles.
Facing the Qiblah: The prayer should be performed facing the direction of the Kaaba (Qiblah).

Step-by-Step Guide to Performing Janaza Prayer

Step 1: Making the Intention (Niyyah)

Start by making the intention in your heart. There is no verbal expression for the purpose. It should be a sincere intention to pray for the forgiveness and mercy of the deceased.

Step 2: First Takbir and Opening Supplication (Dua)

Raise your hands and say “Allahu Akbar” (Takbir).
Recite the opening supplication, which is the Thana:
“Subhanak Allahumma wa bihamdika, wa tabarakasmuka, wa ta’ala jadduka, wa la ilaha ghayruk.”

This is a declaration of Allah’s glory and greatness.

Step 3: Second Takbir and Salawat

Say “Allahu Akbar” for the second Takbir.
Recite Salawat (blessings) upon the Prophet Muhammad (PBUH):
“Allahumma salli ‘ala Muhammad wa ‘ala aali Muhammad, kama sallaita ‘ala Ibrahim wa ‘ala aali Ibrahim, innaka Hamidun Majeed. Allahumma barik ‘ala Muhammad wa ‘ala aali Muhammad, kama barakta ‘ala Ibrahim wa ‘ala aali Ibrahim, innaka Hamidun Majeed.”

Step 4: Third Takbir and Dua for the Deceased

Say “Allahu Akbar” for the third Takbir.
Recite the following supplication (Dua) for the deceased:
“Allahummaghfir lihayyina wa mayyitina, wa shahidina wa gha’ibina, wa sagheerina wa kabeerina, wa dhakarina wa unthana. Allahumma man ahyaytahu minna fa ahyihi ‘ala al-Islam, wa man tawaffaytahu minna fa tawaffahu ‘ala al-eeman.”

This prayer asks for forgiveness for all deceased and living Muslims, as well as strength in faith for the deceased.

Step 5: Fourth Takbir and Final Supplication

Say “Allahu Akbar” for the fourth Takbir.
Conclude with a brief final supplication, asking Allah for mercy and forgiveness.

Step 6: Concluding the Janaza Prayer

After the fourth Takbir, there is no Rukuh or Sujud. Conclude the prayer with the Tasleem:

Turn your head to the right and say, “As-salamu ‘alaykum wa rahmatullah.”
Then, turn your head to the left and repeat, “As-salamu ‘alaykum wa rahmatullah.”

The Janaza prayer is now complete.

Tips for Performing the Janaza Prayer with Sincerity

Focus on the Intention: Keep the intention pure and solely for the sake of Allah.
Make Heartfelt Duas: Feel the weight and significance of each Dua as you recite it.
Be Mindful of the Community: Recognize that you are supporting a fellow Muslim and their family.

Etiquette and Dos and Don’ts During Janaza Prayer

Etiquette

Maintain a calm and composed demeanor throughout the prayer.
Refrain from unnecessary chatter or distractions.
Stand in straight rows, shoulder-to-shoulder with other attendees.

Dos and Don’ts

Do ensure your mobile devices are turned off.
Do participate with sincerity and avoid showing up only for formality.
Don’t take pictures or engage in any form of recording during the prayer.

Common Mistakes to Avoid in Janaza Prayer

Reciting aloud instead of maintaining silence, except for the Takbirs and Tasleem.
Forgetting to make the proper intention before starting the prayer.
Not standing in straight rows disrupt the prayer’s unity and order.

How to Lead the Janaza Prayer

The Imam (leader of the prayer) stands in front of the deceased’s body, closer to the head if the deceased is male and closer to the middle if the deceased is female. The Imam leads the prayer, and everyone silently follows his Takbirs and recitations.

Janaza Prayer for a Child or Infant

If the Janaza prayer is for a child or an infant, the prayer includes additional supplications, asking Allah to make the child a means of intercession for their parents and a source of mercy.

Virtues and Rewards of Attending Janaza Prayer

Participating in the Janaza prayer is a highly rewarding act. According to Hadith, the reward for praying and following the Janaza until burial is equivalent to two Qirats (large heaps) of reward. This underlines the significance of offering Janaza prayers and attending funerals.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

What is the purpose of Janaza prayer?

The purpose of the Janaza prayer is to seek Allah’s forgiveness and mercy for the deceased, express solidarity with the family, and remind the living of the transient nature of life.

Who can perform the Janaza prayer?

Any adult Muslim, male or female, can perform the Janaza prayer. However, it is traditionally led by a male Imam in congregation.

How many Takbirs are in Janaza prayer?

The Janaza prayer consists of four Takbirs and specific supplications and salutations.

Is it permissible to perform Janaza prayer alone?

While it is highly recommended that you perform the Janaza prayer in congregation, it is permissible to perform it alone if no congregation is available.

Can women attend and participate in Janaza prayer?

Yes, women are allowed to attend and participate in the Janaza prayer. However, cultural practices may vary, so it’s best to follow local customs.

Conclusion

The Janaza prayer profoundly expresses love, faith, and community. Whether you lead the prayer, stand in the congregation, or attend to show your support, it is a sacred act that helps the living connect with the deceased and seek Allah’s mercy. By following this guide, you can perform the Janaza prayer with sincerity and understanding, fulfilling this important obligation in a way that honors the departed.