How to Read Janaza Namaz – A Complete Step-by-Step Guide

Wiki Article

Janaza Namaz (Salat al-Janazah) is the Islamic funeral prayer offered for a deceased Muslim before burial. It is a communal obligation (Fard Kifayah), meaning if some members of the Muslim community perform it, the responsibility is lifted from others. However, if no one performs it, the entire community is accountable.

Janaza prayer is different from the five daily prayers. It has no bowing (ruku), no prostration (sajdah), and no sitting (tashahhud). It is performed while standing and consists mainly of supplications (duas) for the deceased.

Purpose of Janaza Namaz

The main purpose of Janaza prayer is to ask Allah for forgiveness, mercy, and peace for the deceased person. Since the deceased can no longer perform good deeds, the living pray for them. It is a beautiful act of compassion, unity, and faith.

Conditions Before Performing Janaza

Before offering the Janaza prayer:

• The deceased must be a Muslim.

• The body should be washed (ghusl).

• The body should be shrouded (kafan).

• The body should be placed in front of the congregation.

• The worshipper must be in a state of wudu (ablution).

The prayer is usually performed in congregation, but it can also be prayed individually if necessary.

Step-by-Step Method of Janaza Namaz

Janaza Namaz consists of four Takbeers (saying “Allahu Akbar”).

Step 1: Make the Intention (Niyyah)

Make the intention in your heart:

“I intend to pray the funeral prayer for this deceased for the sake of Allah.”

There is no need to say it aloud. Intention is in the heart.

Step 2: First Takbeer

Raise your hands and say:

Allahu Akbar

After this, recite Surah Al-Fatiha silently.

Translation of Surah Al-Fatiha:

“In the name of Allah, the Most Merciful, the Most Compassionate.
All praise is due to Allah, Lord of the worlds… Guide us to the straight path.”

Recitation is done quietly.

Step 3: Second Takbeer

Say again:

Allahu Akbar

Then recite Durood (Salawat) upon Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him), just like in regular prayer.

Example:

“O Allah, send blessings upon Muhammad and the family of Muhammad, as You sent blessings upon Ibrahim and the family of Ibrahim…”

Step 4: Third Takbeer

Say:

Allahu Akbar

Now recite the Janaza Dua for the deceased.

The common Janaza dua in English meaning is:

“O Allah, forgive our living and our dead, those present among us and those absent, our young and our old, our males and our females. O Allah, whoever You keep alive from among us, keep him alive upon Islam, and whoever You cause to die from among us, cause him to die upon faith. O Allah, do not deprive us of his reward and do not let us go astray after him.”

If the deceased is a male, say “forgive him.”
If female, say “forgive her.”

If you do not know the full dua, you may simply say:

“O Allah, forgive him/her and have mercy on him/her.”

Step 5: Fourth Takbeer

Say:

Allahu Akbar

After this, make a short personal dua. Then end the prayer by turning your head to the right and saying:

Assalamu Alaikum wa Rahmatullah

Some scholars say one salam is sufficient, while others say two (right and left). Both are acceptable.

Special Case: Janaza for a Child

If the deceased is a child, the dua is slightly different. Instead of asking for forgiveness, we ask Allah to make the child a source of reward and intercession for the parents.

Example meaning:

“O Allah, make this child a source of reward and a treasure for us, and make him/her an intercessor whose intercession is accepted.”

Children are considered pure and free from sin in Islam.

Important Points to Remember

• Janaza prayer is performed standing.

• There is no ruku or sajdah.

• Recitation is done silently.

• It is a short but powerful prayer.

• It can be prayed in a mosque, prayer area, or graveyard.

Spiritual Lessons from Janaza Namaz

Janaza prayer reminds us that life is temporary. No matter how rich or powerful someone was, everyone eventually returns to Allah. Standing in rows for a funeral softens the heart and encourages reflection.

It teaches us:

• The importance of preparing for the Hereafter.

• The value of good deeds.

• The power of dua.

• The unity of the Muslim community.

Conclusion

Janaza Namaz is a simple yet deeply meaningful prayer. It consists of four Takbeers and sincere supplication for the deceased. Every Muslim should learn how to perform it correctly because one day, others will pray it for us.

By attending and praying Janaza, we fulfill a communal duty and earn great reward while helping our fellow Muslim in their journey to the Hereafter.