The Janazah prayer is an important part of the Islamic funeral process which reflects the unity of the Muslim. In this post, we’ll explore its virtues, rulings, how to perform it, and address common questions.
The Virtue of Attending Janazah Prayer
The reward for participating in a Janazah (funeral) prayer is immense. In a narration recorded by both Imam Bukhari and Imam Muslim, the Prophet Muhammad said:
“Whoever attends the funeral procession and offers the Janazah Salah will get a reward equal to one qirat, and whoever accompanies it until burial will get a reward equal to two qirats.”
The companions asked, “What are two qirats?” He replied,
“Like two huge mountains.”
(Sahih Bukhari, Hadith: 1325; Sahih Muslim, Hadith: 945).
Is Janazah Prayer Obligatory?
Yes, but with a specific type of obligation. The funeral prayer is Fard Kifayah (a communal obligation). This means:
- If some Muslims in a community perform it, the obligation is lifted from the rest.
- If no one performs it, the entire community is sinful.
Both men and women are encouraged to offer the Janazah prayer. However, attending the burial procession is reserved for men based on the following hadith:
“We were forbidden to follow the funeral processions, but not emphatically.”
(Narrated by Al-Bukhari and Muslim, from Umm ‘Atiyyah radiyallahu ‘anha)
How to Pray the Janazah Prayer
The Salat al-Janazah (funeral prayer) is unique—there is no ruku‘ (bowing) or sujud (prostration). Here’s how to perform it:
1.First Takbir: Say “Allahu Akbar”.
- Seek refuge in Allah from Shaytan (A‘udhu billahi min ash-shaytan ir-rajim)
- Say “Bismillah ir-Rahman ir-Rahim” and recite Surah Al-Fatihah.
2.Second Takbir: Say “Allahu Akbar”.
- Send salawat (blessings) upon the Prophet , as you do in the final part of regular prayer.
3.Third Takbir: Say “Allahu Akbar”.
- Make du‘a (supplication) for the deceased.
4.Fourth Takbir: Say “Allahu Akbar”.
- One can either stay silent or make Dua for the Muslims at this time, then end with one Taslim to the right, saying:
“Assalamu ‘alaykum wa rahmatullah”
Women and Janazah Prayer
Can women pray Janazah?
Yes.
The Janazah prayer is prescribed for both men and women. Women in the time of the Prophet used to pray it in the mosque with him. It can be performed by women in:
- A mosque
- A home
- A designated prayer area
There is no evidence to prevent women from praying Janazah.
Can women follow the funeral to the graveyard?
It is not permissible for women to attend the graveyard and burial, based on the aforementioned hadith:
“We were forbidden to follow the funeral procession but it was not made absolute on us.”
(Muslim, from Umm Salamah radiyallahu ‘anha)
Hence, while women may attend the Janazah prayer, they should not join the funeral procession to the grave.
Final Thoughts
The Janazah prayer is more than a ritual—it is a communal responsibility, and a source of immense reward. As Muslims, we should:
- Make an effort to attend Janazah prayers
- Learn how to perform it properly
- Encourage others—both men and women—to participate
- Respect the etiquette of funeral processions
In doing so, we fulfill a sacred duty to the deceased and gain reward for ourselves in the process.
“Whoever relieves a believer from a hardship in this world, Allah will relieve him from a hardship on the Day of Judgment.”
(Sahih Muslim)
Let us be among those who uphold this Sunnah and honour our brothers and sisters in their final rites.