How to Offer Prayer for the Deceased in Islam Properly

In Islam, the prayer for the deceased—known as Salat al-Janazah—serves a profound spiritual and communal purpose. It is not merely a ritual but an essential part of honoring the departed soul, seeking forgiveness on their behalf, and fulfilling a collective obligation (fard kifayah) upon the Muslim community.

Salat al-Janazah is a unique form of prayer that emphasizes supplication (du’a) rather than physical prostration or bowing. It reflects the Islamic belief in the afterlife and underscores the importance of communal intercession for the mercy and pardon of the deceased.

A Collective Supplication for Mercy and Forgiveness

The prayer for the deceased in Islam is primarily a plea to Allah for His mercy upon the departed soul. The Prophet Muhammad ﷺ said:

“When a Muslim dies and a group of Muslims—numbering a hundred—pray over him and intercede for him, their intercession for him will be accepted.” (Sahih Muslim, Hadith 947)

This Hadith highlights the spiritual benefit of communal participation in Salat al-Janazah. By gathering to pray, the community collectively seeks Allah’s forgiveness and peace for the deceased, which can significantly impact their position in the Hereafter.

Affirming Faith in Life After Death

Another vital purpose of prayer for the deceased in Islam is to affirm belief in the Day of Judgment and the eternal life to come. It is a moment of reflection for the living, reminding them of the transient nature of worldly life and the eternal reality of the Hereafter. Allah ﷻ says in the Qur’an:

“Every soul shall taste death. And you will only receive your full reward on the Day of Judgment. Whoever is spared from the Fire and is admitted into Paradise will indeed triumph…” (Surah Aal-Imran, 3:185)

Through Salat al-Janazah, Muslims are reminded of their own mortality and are encouraged to prepare for the Hereafter by leading righteous lives and remaining steadfast in faith.

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A Final Act of Honor and Brotherhood

The Islamic prayer for the deceased also fulfills the social and spiritual obligation of the Muslim ummah. The Prophet ﷺ said:

“The rights of a Muslim upon another Muslim are five… to follow the funeral processions.” (Sahih al-Bukhari, Hadith 1240; Sahih Muslim, Hadith 2162)

Offering Salat al-Janazah is one of the final duties a Muslim can perform for their brother or sister in Islam. It is a gesture of love, loyalty, and respect, strengthening the bonds of the Muslim community through shared responsibility and compassion. You could also learn the Sunnah prayers for Dhuhr and how to offer them.

Step-by-Step Guide to the Funeral Prayer

Performing the prayer for the deceased in Islam—Salat al-Janazah—is a vital religious act that carries immense spiritual rewards.

This prayer is performed in congregation and follows a specific structure that differs from the five daily prayers. Below is a step-by-step guide on how to perform Salat al-Janazah properly.

1. Intention (Niyyah) for the Prayer for the Deceased in Islam

The first step in offering the prayer for the deceased in Islam is making a sincere intention (niyyah). Although the intention is not verbalized, the worshipper should firmly resolve in their heart that they are offering Salat al-Janazah for the deceased, seeking Allah’s mercy on their behalf.

According to Islamic teachings, actions are judged by intentions, as mentioned in the famous Hadith:

“Actions are but by intentions, and every man shall have only that which he intended.” (Sahih al-Bukhari, Hadith 1; Sahih Muslim, Hadith 1907)

2. First Takbir and Recitation of Surah Al-Fatiha

Begin the prayer for the deceased in Islam by raising both hands and saying the first Takbir (“Allahu Akbar”). After the first Takbir, recite Surah Al-Fatiha, the Opening Chapter of the Qur’an, silently.

Some scholars also recommend reciting Surah Al-Fatiha as a supplication on behalf of the deceased, seeking blessings and mercy.

3. Second Takbir and Salat upon the Prophet (Salawat)

After reciting Al-Fatiha, say the second Takbir (“Allahu Akbar”) without raising your hands. Then recite Salat al-Ibrahimiyyah (the prayer upon the Prophet ﷺ), as done in the Tashahhud of daily prayers. This demonstrates respect for the Prophet and is a key component of the Islamic prayer for the deceased.

4. Third Takbir and Du’a for the Deceased

Following the third Takbir, make a heartfelt du’a (supplication) for the deceased. This is the core component of the prayer for the deceased in Islam. The Prophet ﷺ used various du’as for the deceased; one widely narrated supplication is:

“O Allah, forgive him, have mercy on him, pardon him, and grant him security. Make his grave spacious and fill it with light…” (Sahih Muslim, Hadith 963)

You may use any authentic du’a from the Sunnah, asking for forgiveness, mercy, protection from punishment, and entry into Paradise for the deceased.

5. Fourth Takbir and Brief Final Supplication

After the fourth Takbir, you may make a brief additional du’a for all deceased Muslims or conclude the prayer shortly afterward. This step reinforces the communal aspect of the prayer for the deceased in Islam, extending mercy to the wider Muslim ummah. you could also learn the Taraweeh prayer Rakat and how to offer them. 

6. Concluding the Salat al-Janazah

Finally, conclude the prayer for the deceased in Islam with one Taslim (saying “As-salamu ‘alaykum wa rahmatullah”) to the right side. Some scholars permit a second Taslim to the left, but one is sufficient according to the majority of schools of thought.

Dua for the Deceased: Examples and Etiquette

The Prophet ﷺ taught several beautiful and comprehensive supplications that are commonly recited during the prayer for the deceased in Islam. One widely accepted and authentic du’a is:

اللَّهُمَّ اغْفِرْ لَهُ، وَارْحَمْهُ، وَعَافِهِ، وَاعْفُ عَنْهُ، وَأَكْرِمْ نُزُلَهُ، وَوَسِّعْ مُدْخَلَهُ، وَاغْسِلْهُ بِالْمَاءِ وَالثَّلْجِ وَالْبَرَدِ…

“O Allah, forgive him, have mercy on him, grant him peace and pardon him. Be generous to him, expand his grave, and wash him with water, snow, and ice…” (Sahih Muslim, Hadith 963)

Another concise du’a that can be made during the Islamic prayer for the deceased is:

اللَّهُمَّ اجْعَلْ قَبْرَهُ رَوْضَةً مِنْ رِيَاضِ الْجَنَّةِ

“O Allah, make his grave a garden from the gardens of Paradise.”

These supplications may vary slightly depending on whether the deceased is male, female, or a child, but all reflect the same goals—seeking mercy, protection from punishment, and a place in Jannah (Paradise).

Etiquette of Making Du’a in the Prayer for the Deceased in Islam

There are several important etiquettes to observe when making du’a during the prayer for the deceased in Islam:

• Sincerity: The du’a must come from a sincere heart, with a genuine desire for the deceased’s forgiveness and success in the Hereafter.
• Following the Sunnah: Use authentic du’as taught by the Prophet ﷺ whenever possible.
• Facing the Qiblah: As part of Salat al-Janazah, ensure you are facing the Qiblah when making du’a.
• Praying for All Believers: It is recommended to include a general supplication for all deceased Muslims. The Qur’an encourages this collective mercy:

“Our Lord, forgive us and our brothers who preceded us in faith…” (Surah Al-Hashr, 59:10)

By following proper etiquette and using sincere and prophetic supplications, Muslims can maximize the reward and impact of the prayer for the deceased in Islam, offering a final act of compassion for the departed.

Attending Janazah: Virtues and Rewards

The Prophet Muhammad ﷺ emphasized the virtue of participating in the prayer for the deceased in Islam and following the funeral procession. He said:

“Whoever follows the funeral procession of a Muslim out of sincere faith and hoping for the reward, and remains with it until the funeral prayer is offered and the burial is completed, he will return with two qirats. Each qirat is like the size of Mount Uhud.” (Sahih al-Bukhari, Hadith 47; Sahih Muslim, Hadith 945)

This hadith highlights the extraordinary reward of merely attending and participating in the Islamic funeral prayer—a double portion of divine reward for those who remain until burial.

The Spiritual Benefit of Performing the Prayer for the Deceased in Islam

When Muslims gather to offer prayer for the deceased in Islam, they collectively ask Allah for mercy and forgiveness on behalf of the departed. This communal act is not only spiritually uplifting for the living but also immensely beneficial for the deceased. The Prophet ﷺ said:

“If a Muslim dies and a group of Muslims— numbering one hundred—pray over him, all of them interceding for him, their intercession will be accepted.” (Sahih Muslim, Hadith 947)

Such narrations confirm that attending the prayer for the deceased in Islam is a means of intercession, mercy, and forgiveness—an opportunity for believers to support one another even in death.

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Conclusion

Offering the prayer for the deceased in Islam is a sacred act of compassion, brotherhood, and obedience to Allah. It reflects the believer’s final gift to the departed—a plea for mercy, forgiveness, and peace.

By understanding its purpose, steps, and etiquette, every Muslim can perform this important duty with sincerity and confidence. Whether you lead the prayer, join in silent supplication, or attend the burial, your presence matters. It strengthens the ummah and brings immense reward in the sight of Allah.

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FAQs

Is the prayer for the deceased in Islam obligatory?

It is fard kifayah—a collective obligation of the Muslim community.

Can women perform the prayer for the deceased in Islam?

Yes, women can perform Salat al-Janazah, though attending the burial is optional.