How to read janazah prayer
The janazah prayer, also known as the funeral prayer, is a significant and solemn prayer performed in Islam to pay respect to a deceased person. It is an important ritual that every Muslim should know how to perform correctly. The janazah prayer is not only a way to bid farewell to the deceased but also an opportunity to seek forgiveness for them and to remember that death is a natural part of life.
Step 1: Purification
Before performing the janazah prayer, it is essential to ensure that you are in a state of ritual purity (wudu). Perform wudu by washing your hands, mouth, nose, face, arms, and feet. This purification ritual prepares you to stand before Allah in prayer.
Step 2: Intention
Once you are in a state of ritual purity, make the intention to perform the janazah prayer for the deceased. Remember that this prayer is an act of worship solely for the sake of Allah, seeking His pleasure and forgiveness for the departed soul.
Step 3: The Invocation (Takbir)
Begin the janazah prayer by raising your hands to your ears and saying “Allahu Akbar,” which means “Allah is the greatest.” This invocation marks the start of the prayer and expresses the greatness and supremacy of Allah. Maintain this position briefly before moving on to the next step.
Step 4: Silent Supplications (Salawat)
After the initial invocation, recite the salawat (blessings upon the Prophet Muhammad, peace be upon him) silently. This should be done by saying, “Allahumma salli ala Muhammadin wa ‘ala ali Muhammadin, kama sallaita ‘ala Ibrahima wa ‘ala ali Ibrahima, innaka Hamidum Majid” which translates to “O Allah, bless Muhammad and the family of Muhammad, as you blessed Ibrahim and the family of Ibrahim. You are indeed praiseworthy and glorious.” The salawat serves as a way to honor the last messenger of Allah and beseech Allah’s mercy for the deceased.
Step 5: Intentional Supplication (Dua)
In this step, raise your hands with your palms facing upwards and supplicate to Allah for the deceased. You may pray for their forgiveness, mercy, and entrance into paradise. Offer sincere prayers and seek blessings for the departed soul.
Step 6: The Final Invocation (Taslim)
To conclude the janazah prayer, turn your head to the right and say “Assalamu alaikum wa rahmatullah.” This is the final invocation that signifies the completion of the prayer. It means “Peace and mercy of Allah be upon you.”
The janazah prayer holds great significance in Islam as it is a way to remember and honor the deceased. By performing the janazah prayer correctly and sincerely, we not only fulfill our obligations to the departed but also gain a sense of solace and tranquility knowing that our supplications reach the heavens. May Allah grant peace and mercy to all of the deceased.
Understanding Janazah Prayer
Janazah prayer, also known as funeral prayer, is an important part of Muslim burial rituals. It is a collective prayer performed by the Muslim community for the deceased individual. Understanding the significance and the steps involved in performing Janazah prayer is essential for practicing Muslims.
Meaning and Purpose
Janazah prayer is a way for Muslims to express their final farewell to the deceased and to seek forgiveness for them. It serves as a form of supplication and remembrance for the soul of the departed, as well as a reminder of the temporary nature of life in this world.
Prerequisites
The Janazah prayer can be performed by both men and women, though the manner
of the prayer may differ slightly. It is not obligatory to attend the prayer, but it is considered a recommended practice for Muslims to participate in it, especially if the deceased was a member of the community.
The Ritual
The Janazah prayer is a brief prayer consisting of four takbeers, or standing postures, along with recitations from the Quran and supplications. The prayer is led by an imam or a knowledgeable individual who guides the community through the specific actions and words involved.
Conclusion
Understanding Janazah prayer is important for Muslims in order to fulfill their religious obligations and participate in communal acts of mourning for the deceased. Engaging in this prayer helps to celebrate the life of the deceased and offer support to their family and loved ones during a difficult time.
Step-by-Step Guide
To perform the janazah prayer, follow the steps outlined below:
Step 1: Make the Niyyah
The first step is to make the intention (niyyah) for the janazah prayer. This should be done in your heart and the intention should be purely for the sake of Allah.
Step 2: Stand Facing the Qibla
Stand in a clean place facing the qibla (the direction of the Kaaba in Mecca).
Step 3: Raise Your Hands
Raise your hands to the level of your shoulders or ears and say “Allahu Akbar” (Allah is the Greatest) to begin the prayer.
Step 4: Recite the Opening Supplication
After saying “Allahu Akbar,” recite the opening supplication: “Subhanak Allahumma wa bihamdika wa tabarakasmuka wa ta’ala jadduka wa la ilaha ghairuka.” (Glory be to You, O Allah, and praise be to You. Blessed is Your name, and exalted is Your Majesty. There is no deity but You.)
Step 5: Offer Salawat
Offer blessings upon the Prophet Muhammad by reciting “Allahumma salli ‘ala Muhammad wa ‘ala aali Muhammad, kama sallayta ‘ala Ibrahim wa ‘ala aali Ibrahim, innaka Hameedum Majeed.” (O Allah, bless Muhammad and the family of Muhammad, as You blessed Ibrahim and the family of Ibrahim. You are indeed worthy of praise and full of glory.)
Step 6: Make Du’a for the Deceased
Make a supplication for the deceased person, asking for their forgiveness, mercy, and a place in Paradise. You can make your own prayer or recite a specific du’a, such as “Allahummaghfir lihayyina wa mayyitina, wa shahidina wa gha’ibina, wa sagheerina wa kabeerina, wa dhakarina wa unthana. Allahumma man ahyayta hu minna faahyihi ‘ala al-Islam, wa man tawaffayta hu minna fatawaffahu ‘ala al-Iman.” (O Allah, forgive our living and our deceased, those who are present and those who are absent, our young and our old, our males and our females. O Allah, whoever of us You cause to live, let them live upon Islam, and whoever of us You cause to die, let them die upon faith.)
Step 7: End the Prayer
End the prayer by turning your head to the right side and saying “Assalamu ‘alaikum wa rahmatullah” (Peace and mercy of Allah be upon you) and then to the left side and repeating the same phrase.
That’s it! You have completed the janazah prayer. May Allah accept your prayer and grant forgiveness to the deceased.
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