Prayers for the Dead (Janaazah)

Q. Is it waajib, sunnah, or fard to say prayers for the dead?

A. Janaazah prayer is fard kifaayah. If one or more people say it, the responsibility of others is absolved. But if nobody says it, all are sinful.

Q. Conditions for saying prayer for the dead?

A.(1) Dead person must be Muslim.
(2) Body should be taahir.
(3) Shroud (kafan) should be taahir.
(4) Satar must be covered.
(5) Body should be in front of the musallis.
For the one praying, all ordinary prayer conditions apply, except timing.

Q. Method of saying the Janaazah?

A. Stand in rows (3,5,7 if many). Make niyyah, follow Imaam’s takbeers, say thanaa, darood, and du’aa for the dead (different for adults, minor boys, minor girls). Complete 4 takbeers and conclude with salaam.

Q. What to do after completing the Salaat-ul-Janaazah?

A. Carry the bier to the graveyard. Recite kalimah silently, ponder over death, grave, accountability, and pray for the dead’s salvation. Then bury the dead.