Losing someone we love is one of the hardest parts of life. In Islam, we honor the deceased by praying for them through Salat al-Janazah (the funeral prayer). This prayer is not just a ritual—it is a way of asking Allah to forgive the one who has passed away and to grant them mercy in the Hereafter. For Muslims, taking part in Janazah prayer is an important act of worship and a communal responsibility.
If you have ever wondered how to perform Janazah prayer step by step, let’s go through it together in a simple way.
What Makes Janazah Prayer Special?
Unlike the daily prayers (Salah), the Janazah prayer has:
No bowing (ruku‘)
No prostration (sujood)
No sitting in tashahhud
It is a prayer that mainly consists of standing, saying Takbirs (“Allahu Akbar”), reciting supplications, and making du‘a for the deceased.
The Prophet Muhammad ﷺ said:
“Whoever prays the funeral prayer will have one qirat, and whoever attends the burial will have two qirats.” It was asked, “What are two qirats?” He said, “Like two huge mountains.” (Sahih al-Bukhari & Sahih Muslim)
This shows how great the reward is for participating in Janazah.
Step by Step: How to Pray Janazah
Here’s a simple breakdown of the Janazah prayer:
1. Intention (Niyyah)
As with all acts of worship, you begin with your intention. In your heart, intend that you are praying the Janazah prayer for the deceased, seeking Allah’s forgiveness and mercy for them. You don’t need to say the intention out loud.
2. First Takbir
Raise your hands and say “Allahu Akbar.”
After this Takbir, recite Surah Al-Fatiha silently.
3. Second Takbir
Say “Allahu Akbar.”
Then recite Salat al-Ibrahimiyya (the durood we usually recite in Salah):
“Allahumma salli ‘ala Muhammad wa ‘ala aali Muhammad…”
4. Third Takbir
Say “Allahu Akbar.”
After this, make du‘a for the deceased. The Prophet ﷺ used many supplications, but one simple and common one is:
“Allahumma ighfir lahu warhamhu wa ‘afihi wa‘fu ‘anhu…”
(O Allah, forgive him, have mercy on him, grant him well-being, and pardon him.)
If the deceased is a woman, you can change the words to the feminine form.
5. Fourth Takbir
Say “Allahu Akbar.”
After this, you can make a short du‘a for all Muslims, such as:
“Allahumma ighfir li hayyina wa mayyitina…”
(O Allah, forgive our living and our dead…)
6. Ending the Prayer
Finish the prayer with salam to the right:
“As-salamu ‘alaykum wa rahmatullah.”
And that’s it! The Janazah prayer is complete.
Who Can Lead and Join the Prayer?
Usually, the imam of the mosque leads the Janazah prayer.
If he is not available, a pious relative or community member can lead.
Both men and women can attend Janazah prayer, but men are more encouraged to be present.
Important Points to Remember
Janazah prayer is a communal obligation (fard kifayah). This means if some Muslims perform it, the duty is fulfilled for all. But if no one prays it, the whole community is sinful.
The prayer should be performed as soon as possible after death.
Muslims should avoid unnecessary delay, except to prepare and shroud the body.
Attending Janazah reminds us of our own return to Allah and the importance of living a righteous life.
Conclusion
Janazah prayer is one of the most merciful acts a Muslim can perform for another. It is simple yet powerful: four Takbirs, supplications, and sincere du‘a for the deceased. Through this prayer, we ask Allah to forgive their sins, show them mercy, and grant them peace in the next life.
By joining Janazah prayers, we not only help our fellow Muslims but also gain immense reward for ourselves. May Allah accept our prayers and make our own Janazah easy when our time comes, insha’Allah.
Learn More and Grow in Knowledge
If you would like to learn more about Islamic practices like Salah, Wudu, Janazah, or the lives of the Prophets, then I highly recommend Online Islamic Institute. They offer premium courses for all ages, designed to deepen your understanding of Islam in an easy and structured way.
You can explore their courses here: https://onlineislamicinstitute.org/
Insha’Allah, it will be a beautiful step in your journey of learning and practicing Islam.
JazakAllahu khair for reading. May Allah accept our du‘as for those who have passed away. Wa Assalamu Alaikum wa Rahmatullahi wa Barakatuh.