Salah al-Janazah: The Islamic Funeral Prayer

Salah al-Janazah (the Funeral Prayer) is a Fard Kifayah — a collective obligation meaning if some Muslims fulfill it, the obligation is lifted from the rest, but if none do, all are sinful. **When Janazah is Performed** After a Muslim dies, the body is washed (Ghusl), shrouded (Kafn), the Janazah prayer is performed, and the body is buried facing the Qibla as soon as possible. **How to Perform Salah al-Janazah** 1. Make Niyyah (intention) for Janazah prayer 2. First Takbeer: Say Allahu Akbar and fold hands, then recite Al-Fatiha 3. Second Takbeer: Say Allahu Akbar and recite Salawat Ibrahim 4. Third Takbeer: Say Allahu Akbar and make dua for the deceased 5. Fourth Takbeer: Say Allahu Akbar 6. Give Salam to both sides **Dua for the Deceased (Third Takbeer)** 'Allahummaghfir lihayyina wa mayyitina wa shahidina wa gha'ibina wa saghirina wa kabirina wa dhakarina wa unthana. Allahumma man ahyaytahu minna fa ahyihi ala al-Islam, wa man tawaffaytahu minna fa tawaffahu ala al-iman.' **The Immense Reward** The Prophet (SAW) said: 'Whoever attends a funeral until the Janazah prayer is complete will receive one qirat of reward. Whoever remains until the burial is complete will receive two qirats — each like Mount Uhud.' **Janazah in Makkah and Madinah** Many seek to pray Janazah in Masjid al-Haram or Masjid al-Nabawi, as the multiplied reward of prayer there also applies to Janazah.