What is Salat al-Janazah?
صَلَاةُ الْجَنَازَةِ
Learn about Salat al-Janazah — the Islamic funeral prayer, its obligation, conditions, and how it is performed.
The Funeral Prayer
Salat al-Janazah is the Islamic funeral prayer — a special prayer performed for a deceased Muslim. It is a unique prayer with no Ruku (bowing) or Sajdah (prostration). The community stands in rows, facing the deceased, and makes four Takbeers while reciting specific supplications.
Who Must Pray It?
Salat al-Janazah is Fard Kifayah (collective obligation). If a sufficient number of Muslims perform it, the obligation is lifted from all others. If no one performs it, every Muslim in the community bears the sin. It is not valid to pray Janazah alone without a congregation of at least one person.
Conditions for Janazah Prayer
The deceased must be a Muslim. Purity (Wudu) is required for those praying. The body must be present or the direction of the body known. The prayer is led by an Imam — priority goes to the deceased's father or closest male relative, then the local qadi, then the most knowledgeable in fiqh. Women may participate in the congregation.
How the Prayer is Performed
There are 4 Takbeers: After the 1st Takbeer, Thana (Sana) is recited. After the 2nd, Darood Ibrahim is recited. After the 3rd, Dua Janazah is recited (different versions for adult male, adult female, young child). After the 4th Takbeer, hands are dropped and Tasleem is given. There is no Ruku or Sajdah.
Position of the Imam
The Imam stands at the head of the deceased if male, and near the middle/chest area if female. Rows of congregation stand behind the Imam — odd number of rows is preferred. Children's rows stand behind the adults.
How to Perform Janazah Prayer
Get the complete step-by-step guide with all four Duas:
How to Pray Janazah (Hanafi) →Frequently Asked Questions
Can women pray Janazah?
Yes. Women can perform Janazah prayer. They can stand in the congregation, though some scholars recommend they pray in the back rows. Women can also pray Janazah prayer individually.
What if the body is not present?
In the Hanafi school, the body (or part of it) must be physically present for the Janazah prayer to be valid. Salat al-Ghaib (prayer over an absent deceased) is not prescribed in the Hanafi madhab, though it is permitted in other schools.