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Hikmah Noor
GuidePrayer (Salah)✆

Janaza (Funeral Prayer) - Step by Step

The funeral prayer is a communal obligation (fard kifayah): four takbirs with no bowing or prostration, prayed for every deceased Muslim - seeking their forgiveness.

Also searched as: janaza namaz ka tarika | funeral prayer islam | namaz e janaza | mayyat ki namaz

How to

Steps in order

  1. 1Make intention for the funeral prayer and say the first takbir, folding hands.
  2. 2Recite Thana (Subhanakallahumma) silently.
  3. 3Say the second takbir and recite Durood-e-Ibrahim.
  4. 4Say the third takbir and make dua for the deceased and all Muslims.
  5. 5Say the fourth takbir, pause briefly, then salam to the right and left.

The four takbirs

After the first takbir recite Thana; after the second send Durood-e-Ibrahim; after the third make heartfelt dua for the deceased; after the fourth say salam to both sides.

The body lies in front of the imam - in front of the row if one body, with the imam level with the head for a man and the middle for a woman.

Burial and after

Lower the body saying Bismillah wa ala millati rasulillah, fill the grave, and make dua for steadfastness - the deceased benefits from the dua of the living.

Condole the family with words like Inna lillahi wa inna ilayhi raji’un, visit the grave, and keep praying for the departed.

Sources & review

Sahih al-Bukhari and Sahih Muslim (funeral prayer and burial)

Learn personal details from a qualified teacher; minor school differences exist.

Educational content — not a fatwa. See methodology and disclaimer.

Reviewed • 2026-01-01Our methodology

FAQ

Frequently asked questions

What dua is read in janaza?

Any sincere dua works; the famous Allahummaghfir li-hayyina wa mayyitina and the long Allahumma-ghfir lahu supplication are established - both on our dua pages.

Can women attend janaza prayer?

Women may pray janaza where facilities allow; scholars differ on following the funeral procession - follow local scholarship.

What should I say to the grieving family?

Console them, remind them of reward with patience, and avoid wailing - quiet tears are permitted.

Duas

Related duas

All duas
Dua for the DeceasedPraying for forgiveness and mercy for one who has diedLowering into the Grave (Bismillah wa Ala Millah)Words said placing the deceased in the grave

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