How to pray salat al-Janazah?

In a Nutshell: Salat al-Janazah, also known as the funeral prayer, is a simple yet profound act of worship performed for the deceased. It involves raising your hands four times in Takbir (saying Allahu Akbar), reciting ?????? ?????? (Quran) and supplications and concluding with a greeting of peace. This prayer serves to invoke Allah's mercy upon the departed and offers solace to those who remain. Table of ContentsIntroduction Background and Context Evidences Analysis of How to Pray Salat al-Janazah Misconceptions about Salat al-Janazah Objections to Performing Salat al-Janazah FAQs about Salat al-Janazah Conclusion Introduction The loss of a loved one is a deeply emotional experience. Islam offers solace and guidance during this difficult time, including the performance of Salat al-Janazah. This act of worship demonstrates respect for the deceased, expresses our belief in the afterlife and supplicates for Allah's mercy upon them. Evidences Quranic Verses{verse 2:156} emphasizes the importance of remembering Allah, even during times of grief: And We will surely test you with something of fear and hunger and a loss of wealth and lives and fruits, but give good tidings to the patient, Quranic VersesNarrated by Abu Dawud: The Prophet (saw) said, The prayer for the deceased is a right upon the Muslims over one another. [Sunan Abu Dawud 3199] Narrated by Ibn Majah: The Prophet (saw) said, There are no angels who descend upon the earth except at the gathering for the funeral prayer. [Sunan Ibn Majah 1435] These hadiths highlight the communal obligation and spiritual significance of Salat al-Janazah. How to Pray Salat al-Janazah Intention and Conditions: Performing Salat al-Janazah requires a clear intention (niyyah) to pray for the deceased. There are no formal purity requirements (wudu or ghusl) for the one performing the prayer. Standing Position and Takbeers: The prayer begins in the standing position (qiyam) with the congregation aligned in rows behind the Imam. Four Takbeers are recited, raising your hands with each Takbir. After the first Takbir, there are recitations and supplications specific to the Janazah prayer. Recitations after Takbeers:Surah Al-Fatihah:Recited silently after the first Takbir. Salawat upon Prophet Muhammad (saw):After the second Takbir, blessings are recited upon the Prophet (saw) as in the regular prayer. Supplications for the Deceased:Following the third Takbir, a specific supplication for the deceased is offered. This includes asking for forgiveness for the departed, steadfastness for their family and their entry into Jannah (paradise). Supplication for Oneself and the Believers:After the fourth Takbir, a supplication is recited for oneself and all Muslims, seeking forgiveness and well-being in this life and the hereafter. Taslim: The prayer concludes with the Taslim (turning to the right and saying "Assalamu alaykum wa rahmatullahi wa barakatuhu" - peace be upon you and the mercy and blessings of Allah). Misconceptions about Salat al-Janazah There are several misconceptions about Salat al-Janazah. Here we clarify two common ones:Only specific people can perform Janazah prayer. Clarification:Salat al-Janazah is a communal obligation upon Muslims who are aware of the death and are able to attend the funeral prayer. Men and women, adults and mature children can all participate in the Janazah prayer. Hadith Support:Narrated by Abu Dawud: The Prophet (saw) said, The prayer for the deceased is a right upon the Muslims over one another. [Sunan Abu Dawud 3199] This Hadith indicates the communal nature of the obligation and doesn't restrict participation based on gender.Performing Janazah prayer over a non-Muslim. Clarification:Salat al-Janazah is specifically offered for deceased Muslims. There are authentic hadiths that indicate the Prophet (saw) prohibited praying over non-Muslims. Hadith Support:Narrated by Abdullah bin Umar (ra): The Prophet (saw) forbade praying over a non-Muslim woman who died in his house. [Sahih al-Bukhari 1229] It is important to dispel these misconceptions to ensure proper understanding and fulfilment of this communal obligation. Objections to Performing Salat al-Janazah Here we will address two common objections regarding Salat al-Janazah:If the deceased committed a major sin. Clarification:The mercy of Allah (swt) is vast and He alone judges the actions of individuals. There are no authentic hadiths indicating the exclusion of someone from Janazah prayer based on their sins. Our role is to perform the prayer and supplicate for Allah's forgiveness for the deceased. Hadith Support:Narrated by Muslim: A man came to the Prophet (saw) and said, Verily, my mother has died. Should I pray for her? The Prophet (saw) said, Yes, pray for her. [Sahih Muslim 998] This Hadith demonstrates that the Prophet (saw) encouraged prayer for the deceased even without knowledge of their piety.Absence of the body Clarification:The presence of the body is not a mandatory condition for performing Salat al-Janazah. The prayer can be offered in absentia (meaning, when the body is not present) if one has a valid reason for missing the funeral, such as being in another location. Scholarly Opinion:Imam Ibn Qudamah (rahimahullah) states, It is permissible to perform the Janazah prayer for the one whose body is not present, due to the generality of the evidence. [Al-Mughni, Ibn Qudamah 1/452] These clarifications aim to address common objections and encourage participation in Salat al-Janazah whenever possible. FAQs about Salat al-Janazah Can women perform Janazah prayer?Yes, women are encouraged to perform Janazah prayer. Some scholars have stated preference for them to stand behind the rows of men, but it isn't obligatory. Hadith Support: Narrated by Ibn Majah: Abu Huraira (ra) reported, The Messenger of Allah (saw) led the funeral prayer for a woman. [Sunan Ibn Majah 1488] What if I arrive late for the Janazah prayer?If you arrive after some of the Takbeers, you can join the prayer and perform whatever remains. After the Imam says the Taslim, you can mentally recite the missed Takbeers and supplications. What if I don't know the Arabic supplications?It's permissible to make supplications in your own language until you learn the Arabic supplications. The intention and remembrance of Allah are of primary importance. Is there a specific dress code for Janazah prayer?While there is no specific dress code, Muslims are encouraged to dress modestly, following the Islamic guidelines, when attending the Janazah prayer. This reflects respect and consideration for the somber occasion. What is the proper etiquette during the Janazah prayer?Solemnity, focus and sincerity are essential during the Janazah prayer. Refrain from unnecessary speech, ensure your phone is on silent and maintain focus in prayer. Conclusion Salat al-Janazah is a simple yet profound practice, demonstrating our belief in the afterlife, our hope for Allah's mercy and our communal responsibility. By learning the correct method and dispelling misconceptions, we can fulfil this important obligation for our deceased brothers and sisters. As with any religious obligation, we must turn to the Quran, the Sunnah and the authoritative opinions of Islamic scholars for guidance. It is crucial to distinguish between authentic practices and mere cultural customs or unfounded beliefs. May Allah (swt) fill us with compassion and steadfastness and grant His infinite mercy to the souls of the deceased. ReferencesAl-Mughni, Ibn Qudamah Sahih al-Bukhari Sahih Muslim Sunan Abu Dawud Sunan Ibn Majah