Complete Guide to Janazah (Funeral) Prayer in Islam

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Preparing the Deceased (Muhtadhar)

When signs of death appear:

• Place the dying person on their right side facing Qiblah (or on their back with feet towards Qiblah).
• Recite Surah Yasin (22:17 onwards) and Surah Ra’d (13:6 onwards) near them.
• Perform Talqeen (gently remind them of the Shahadah):

أَشْهَدُ أَنْ لَا إِلَهَ إِلَّا اللَّهُ وَأَشْهَدُ أَنَّ مُحَمَّدًا عَبْدُهُ وَرَسُولُهُ
"Ashhadu an la ilaha illallah wa ashhadu anna Muhammadan ‘abduhu wa rasuluh."

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How to Perform 2 Rakah Salah According to Hanafi Sunnah

After Death: Immediate Steps

1. Close the eyes & mouth, tie the feet gently.
2. Cover the body with a clean sheet.
3. Recite:

بِسْمِ اللَّهِ وَعَلَى مِلَّةِ رَسُولِ اللَّهِ صَلَّى اللَّهُ عَلَيْهِ وَسَلَّمَ
"In the name of Allah and upon the creed of Allah’s Messenger (peace be upon him)."

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Ghusl (Purification of the Body)

Who Performs Ghusl?

• Men: Father, son, or brother.
• Women: Mother, daughter, or sister.
• Non-Mahrams cannot perform Ghusl (Tayammum is done instead).

Method:

1. Wash the body 3 times with warm water (mixed with camphor for the final wash).
2. Perform Wudhu (without gargling).
3. Place cotton in the nose/ears to prevent water entry.
4. Gently massage the stomach to remove impurities.

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Kafan (Shrouding the Body)

For Men:

• 3 white sheets (7x7 ft each), perfumed with incense.
• Steps:

1. Spread sheets layered.
2. Place the body, apply camphor to sajdah points (forehead, nose, palms, knees, feet).
3. Fold sheets right over left, tie with cloth strips.

For Women:

• 5 pieces (2 sheets, long shirt, head veil, chest wrapper).
• Hair is parted over the chest, covered with a veil.

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Janazah Salah (Funeral Prayer)

4 Takbeers & Duas:

1. After 1st Takbeer: Recite Thana.
2. After 2nd Takbeer: Send Durood Ibrahim.
3. After 3rd Takbeer: Make dua for the deceased:

اللَّهُمَّ اغْفِرْ لَهُ وَارْحَمْهُ وَعَافِهِ وَاعْفُ عَنْهُ
"O Allah, forgive him, have mercy on him, pardon him, and grant him peace."

4. After 4th Takbeer: End with Salaam.

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Burial (Dafan) Etiquette

• Lower the body feet-first into the grave.
• Turn the body right side towards Qiblah.
• Recite while filling the grave:

بِسْمِ اللَّهِ وَعَلَى مِلَّةِ رَسُولِ اللَّهِ
"In Allah’s name and upon the way of Allah’s Messenger."

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FAQs on Janazah

1. Can women attend Janazah Salah?

No, but they can pray at home.

2. What if no family is present for Ghusl?

The most pious available Muslim (same gender) performs it.

3. Is embalming allowed?

No, it delays burial and alters the body.

4. Can we recite Quran at the grave?

Yes, Surah Yasin and Surah Al-Ikhlas are recommended.

5. How long is the mourning period (Iddah) for a widow?

4 months and 10 days (or until childbirth if pregnant).

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Conclusion

Janazah rites honor the deceased and remind us of the Hereafter. By following the Sunnah, we ensure dignity in death.

May Allah grant us a good end and Jannah!