Death is one of the few certainties of life, and in Islam, we honor our loved ones with a final prayer before they return to their Creator. The Janazah prayer (funeral prayer) is not just an obligation but a heartfelt farewell and a way to seek forgiveness for the deceased. If you’ve never prayed Janazah before or feel unsure about the process, don’t worry—I’ll walk you through it step by step, like we’re having a coffee chat. It’s simpler than you might think, but deeply meaningful.
How to Pray Janazah Namaz Step by Step?
Unlike daily prayers, Janazah prayer has no bowing (ruku) or prostration (sujood)—it’s a standing prayer with specific supplications. Here’s how to do it:
- Make the Intention (Niyyah): In your heart, intend that you’re offering the Janazah prayer for the deceased, seeking Allah’s mercy and forgiveness for them.
- First Takbir: Raise your hands and say “Allahu Akbar.” Then, recite Surah Al-Fatihah silently.
- Second Takbir: Say “Allahu Akbar” again, then recite the Durood (Salutations upon the Prophet ﷺ) just like in the final sitting of regular Salah.
- Third Takbir: Say “Allahu Akbar” once more, then recite the du’a for the deceased. If you don’t know a specific one, you can simply ask Allah for mercy and forgiveness for them.
- Fourth Takbir: Say “Allahu Akbar” one last time, then pause briefly and conclude with salam (turning the head to the right and saying “Assalamu Alaikum wa Rahmatullah”).
And that’s it. No need to overcomplicate it—Islam makes things easy, even in moments of grief.
How Many Rakats Are There in Janazah Prayer?
Trick question! There are no rakats in Janazah prayer. Since it’s different from regular Salah, you won’t be doing any bowing or prostrating. It’s a simple yet powerful prayer offered while standing, focusing entirely on supplications.
Can We Pray Janazah Prayer Alone?
The Janazah prayer is meant to be a communal act—it’s best prayed in congregation to maximize blessings for the deceased. However, if you missed the funeral, you can still offer a Janazah prayer later (Salat al-Ghaib, or absentee funeral prayer).
For example, if someone passes away in another country and you couldn’t attend the funeral, you can still pray for them from wherever you are. The mercy of Allah isn’t restricted by distance.
What Dua to Recite During Janazah Prayer?
The main dua for the deceased is:
اللَّهُمَّ اغْفِرْ لَهُ وَارْحَمْهُ وَعَافِهِ وَاعْفُ عَنْهُ وَأَكْرِمْ نُزُلَهُ وَوَسِّعْ مُدْخَلَهُ وَاغْسِلْهُ بِالْمَاءِ وَالثَّلْجِ وَالْبَرَدِ
Transliteration: “Allahumma ighfir lahu warhamhu wa ‘aafihi wa’fu anhu wa akrim nuzulahu wa wassi’ mudkhalahu waghsilhu bil-ma’i wath-thalji wal-barad.”
Translation: “O Allah, forgive him, have mercy on him, grant him peace and pardon him. Honor his arrival, make his entrance wide, and cleanse him with water, snow, and ice.”
If the deceased is a woman, simply change “lahu” (him) to “laha” (her). But if you don’t know the Arabic, that’s okay—just make heartfelt dua in your own language.
Why Janazah Prayer Matters More Than Ever in 2025
With the world moving at an insane pace, moments like these remind us to slow down and reflect. In 2025, where everything is digital—our meetings, our friendships, even our grief—it’s more important than ever to come together physically for things that truly matter.
Janazah prayer isn’t just about the deceased; it’s also a moment for the living. It’s a reminder that one day, we too will be in that position, needing the prayers of our loved ones. So, if you ever get the chance to attend a Janazah prayer, do it. You might not have known the person, but your prayer could be the one that tips the scales of mercy for them.
Final Thoughts
Janazah prayer is one of the simplest yet most rewarding acts of worship. It takes only a few minutes, but the impact lasts beyond this life. Whether you’re attending for a loved one or a stranger, your presence matters.
Have you ever attended a Janazah prayer? How did it make you feel? Share your thoughts in the comments—I’d love to hear your experiences.
May Allah grant mercy to all those who have passed, and may we all leave this world with prayers upon us.