Salat al-Janazah (Funeral prayers)

Timing: Salat al-Janazah is performed after the deceased has been properly prepared for burial, including washing the body (ghusl) and shrouding it in a simple white cloth (kafan). The funeral prayers can take place at any time before the burial but are typically held shortly before the body is interred.

Congregational Prayer: Salat al-Janazah is a communal prayer, meaning that it is performed collectively by members of the Muslim community who are present at the funeral. It is typically led by an imam or any knowledgeable individual.

Prayer Posture: The funeral prayer consists of a specific number of takbirs (raising of hands while saying "Allahu Akbar," meaning "God is the Greatest"). The number of takbirs may vary among Islamic traditions, but it typically involves a series of four takbirs.

Supplications: During the funeral prayer, Muslims recite supplications and prayers for the deceased. These prayers may include asking for God's mercy, forgiveness, and blessings upon the deceased. The specific wording of the supplications may vary among different Islamic traditions and cultures.

Standing Prayer: Unlike the daily obligatory prayers, the funeral prayer is performed while standing but without the usual bowing (ruku') and prostration (sujood). It is a distinctive form of prayer dedicated to the deceased.

Gender and Participation: Both men and women can participate in Salat al-Janazah. It is not limited to specific genders, and the entire Muslim community is encouraged to join in offering prayers for the deceased.

Intentions and Sincerity: When performing Salat al-Janazah, Muslims are encouraged to have sincere intentions and to pray for the deceased with humility and empathy. It is a time to reflect on the transient nature of life and to seek God's mercy for the departed soul.

Number of Prayers: Typically, there are only one set of funeral prayers for each deceased individual. However, if the deceased was well-known or there are multiple deceased individuals, multiple funeral prayers may be offered.

Burial Afterward: Following Salat al-Janazah, the deceased is taken to the burial site for interment. It is customary for Muslims to bury their deceased as soon as possible, usually on the same day as their passing.

Continued Remembrance: After the burial, Muslims continue to remember and pray for the deceased, especially during the first few days and weeks following the funeral. Offering supplications and reciting Quranic verses on behalf of the deceased is a common practice.