Tawhid and Fiqh: Salätul-Janäzah (Funeral Prayer) Basic 6 Islamic Studies Lesson Note

Learning Objectives: By the end of the lesson, pupils should be able to:

• Describe Salatül-Janazah (Funeral Prayer)
• Identify when and how it is performed
• Evaluate the essential parts of it

Lesson Content:

What is Salatül-Janazah?

Definition: Salatül-Janazah (صلاة الجنازة) is a special prayer performed for a deceased Muslim. It is a funeral prayer that seeks Allah’s mercy and forgiveness for the dead person.

Arabic Terms:

• Salah = Prayer
• Janazah = Funeral/Dead body
• Also called “Salat al-Mayyit” (Prayer for the deceased)

Nature of Salatül-Janazah:

1. Fard Kifayah (Collective Obligation)

• If some Muslims perform it, others are excused
• If no one performs it, the whole community is sinful
• Encourages community participation

2. Special Prayer Format

• No bowing (Ruku) or prostration (Sujud)
• Performed while standing throughout
• Has specific supplications (Du’a)

3. Community Prayer

• Usually performed in congregation
• Led by an Imam
• Shows community support for the family

When is Salatül-Janazah Performed?

1. For Every Muslim

• Performed for every Muslim who dies
• Regardless of age (including children)
• Male and female Muslims

2. Timing

• After the body has been washed (Ghusl)
• After the body has been shrouded (Kafan)
• Before burial takes place
• Preferably soon after death

3. Location

• Usually at the mosque
• Can be performed at the cemetery
• Sometimes at home or community hall
• Open area if necessary

4. Participants

• Any Muslim can participate
• Men, women, and children can attend
• Family members, friends, and community

How is Salatül-Janazah Performed?

Preparation:

1. Body is placed in front of the congregation
2. Imam stands near the chest area of the deceased
3. Congregation forms rows behind the Imam
4. Everyone faces Qiblah (direction of Makkah)

The Four Takbirs (Allahu Akbar):

First Takbir:

• Say “Allahu Akbar” and raise hands
• Recite Surah Al-Fatihah silently
• Some scholars allow other short Surahs

Second Takbir:

• Say “Allahu Akbar” (hands remain at sides)
• Recite Salawat (blessings) on Prophet Muhammad (SAW)
• “Allahumma salli ‘ala Muhammad…”

Third Takbir:

• Say “Allahu Akbar”
• Make Du’a (supplication) for the deceased
• Ask Allah’s forgiveness and mercy

Fourth Takbir:

• Say “Allahu Akbar”
• Make brief general Du’a
• End with Salam to right and left

Essential Parts of Salatül-Janazah:

1. Four Takbirs (Allahu Akbar)

• Must be said at the beginning of each section
• Makes the prayer valid
• Shows reverence and submission to Allah

2. Surah Al-Fatihah

• Recited after first Takbir
• Foundation of Islamic prayer
• Seeking Allah’s guidance

3. Salawat on the Prophet

• Recited after second Takbir
• Shows respect for Prophet Muhammad (SAW)
• Connects the deceased to Prophetic mercy

4. Du’a for the Deceased

• Main purpose of the funeral prayer
• Asking Allah’s forgiveness and mercy
• Seeking paradise for the deceased

5. Salam

• Ends the prayer
• Said to right and left
• Completes the ritual

Sample Du’as for the Deceased:

For an Adult: “Allahumma’ghfir lahū wa’rhamhu wa ‘āfihī wa’fu ‘anhu” “O Allah, forgive him, have mercy on him, grant him safety, and pardon him.”

For a Child: “Allahumma’j’alhu faratan wa dhukhra’n li-wālidayh” “O Allah, make him a source of reward and treasure for his parents.”

Benefits and Wisdom:

1. Community Support

• Shows solidarity with grieving family
• Brings community together
• Provides emotional support

2. Spiritual Benefit

• Seeks Allah’s mercy for the deceased
• Reminds living people of death
• Encourages good deeds

3. Final Honor

• Last service to fellow Muslim
• Shows respect for human dignity
• Fulfills community obligation

4. Preparation for Afterlife

• Prayers help the deceased
• Community intercession is powerful
• Shows Islamic brotherhood continues after death

Etiquette and Manners:

Before Prayer:

• Perform Wudu (ablution)
• Dress modestly and cleanly
• Arrive on time
• Keep mobile phones silent

During Prayer:

• Stand quietly and respectfully
• Follow the Imam
• Make sincere Du’a
• Don’t talk or make noise

After Prayer:

• Make individual Du’a for deceased
• Offer condolences to family
• Help with arrangements if needed
• Remember death and prepare for afterlife

HOMEWORK:

1. Explain what Salatül-Janazah means and why it’s important
2. Describe the four parts of funeral prayer and what is recited in each
3. List 3 benefits of performing funeral prayer for the community