Complete Guide: Namaz-e-Janaza – Step-by-Step with Sana, Dua, and Meaning
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Death is one of the certainties in life. Islam provides a dignified way to honor the deceased through Namaz-e-Janaza (funeral prayer). This prayer is unique because it has no ruku (bowing) or sajdah (prostration). Instead, it is performed while standing, with four Takbeers, and includes
The purpose of Namaz-e-Janaza is to ask Allah for forgiveness, mercy, and ease for the deceased. It is a communal obligation (Fard Kifayah) — if some members of the community perform it, the responsibility is lifted from others.
This blog will provide a complete, step-by-step guide to performing Namaz-e-Janaza, including Arabic texts, English transliteration, and translation.
Importance of Namaz-e-Janaza
Namaz-e-Janaza holds a special place in Islam because:
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It reminds us of the reality of death.
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It strengthens the bond of the Muslim community.
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It brings reward for the living who pray for the deceased.
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It seeks forgiveness and mercy for the one who has passed away.
Prophet Muhammad ﷺ said that attending a funeral prayer brings immense reward and mercy.
Step 1: Make Intention (Niyyah)
Before starting, make the intention silently in your heart:
“I intend to offer Namaz-e-Janaza for this deceased for the sake of Allah.”
Intention is in the heart; it does not need to be spoken aloud.
Step 2: First Takbeer and Sana
First Takbeer:
Raise your hands and say: Allahu Akbar
After the first Takbeer, recite the Sana silently.
Arabic Text of Sana
سُبْحَانَكَ اللّهُمَّ وَبِحَمْدِكَ، وَتَبَارَكَ اسْمُكَ، وَتَعَالَى جَدُّكَ، وَلَا إِلَهَ غَيْرُكَ
English Transliteration
Subhanaka Allahumma wa bihamdika, wa tabaarakasmuka, wa ta‘aala jadduka, wa la ilaha ghayruka
English Meaning
“Glory be to You, O Allah, and all praise is for You. Blessed is Your Name, exalted is Your Majesty, and there is no god but You.”
After Sana, recite Surah Al-Fatiha silently.
Step 3: Second Takbeer and Durood
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Say Allahu Akbar
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Recite Durood (Salawat) silently or softly:
Arabic Text
اللهم صل على محمد وعلى آل محمد كما صليت على إبراهيم وعلى آل إبراهيم
إنك حميد مجيد
اللهم بارك على محمد وعلى آل محمد كما باركت على إبراهيم وعلى آل إبراهيم
إنك حميد مجيد
English Meaning
“O Allah, send Your blessings on Muhammad and his family, as You sent blessings on Ibrahim and his family. Indeed, You are Praiseworthy, Glorious.
O Allah, bless Muhammad and his family, as You blessed Ibrahim and his family. Indeed, You are Praiseworthy, Glorious.”
Step 4: Third Takbeer and Janaza Dua
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Say Allahu Akbar
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Now recite the Janaza Dua:
Arabic Text
اللهم اغفر له وارحمه وعافه واعف عنه
وأكرم نزله ووسع مدخله
واغسله بالماء والثلج والبرد
ونقه من الخطايا كما ينقى الثوب الأبيض من الدنس
وأبدله داراً خيراً من داره
وأهلاً خيراً من أهله
وزوجاً خيراً من زوجه
وأدخله الجنة وأعذه من عذاب القبر ومن عذاب النار
English Transliteration
Allahumma aghfir lahu warhamhu wa ‘aafihi wa ‘af’hu.
Wa akrim nuzulahu wa wassi’ mudkhalahu.
Waghsilhu bil maa’i wath-thalji wal-barad.
Wanqqihi min al-khataya kama yunaqqath-thawb al-abyad min ad-danas.
Wa abdilhu daran khayran min daran.
Wa ahlan khayran min ahlin.
Wa zawjan khayran min zawjihi.
Wa adkhilhu al-jannah wa a’thihi min ‘adhabil-qabr wa ‘adhabin-nar.
English Meaning
“O Allah, forgive him, have mercy on him, pardon him, and grant him well-being.
Honor his resting place, expand his entry, cleanse him with water, snow, and ice, and purify him from sins as a white garment is purified from dirt.
Give him a home better than his home, a family better than his family, a spouse better than his spouse, and admit him into Paradise, and protect him from the punishment of the grave and the fire.”
Step 5: Fourth Takbeer and Personal Dua
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Say Allahu Akbar
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Make a short personal dua for the deceased.
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Conclude the prayer by turning your head to the right and saying:
Assalamu Alaikum wa Rahmatullah
Some scholars recommend turning left as well with the same salam.
Tips and Important Points
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Stand while praying; Janaza is never performed in ruku or sajdah.
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Recite quietly; loud recitation is not necessary.
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Women can attend Janaza prayer but may stay in a separate area.
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Attend the funeral whenever possible; it brings great reward.
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If the full Janaza Dua is not remembered, the simple dua “Allahumma ighfir lahu/ laha” (“O Allah, forgive him/her”) is sufficient.
Spiritual Lessons from Namaz-e-Janaza
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Reminder of mortality: Everyone returns to Allah, rich or poor, young or old.
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Power of dua: The living help the deceased through prayers.
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Equality in death: Social status does not matter.
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Community unity: Muslims stand together in rows, praying for mercy.
Conclusion
Namaz-e-Janaza is more than a ritual — it is an act of mercy, faith, and community solidarity. The Sana, Durood, and Janaza Dua are essential parts of this prayer. Every Muslim should learn it to honor their loved ones and earn rewards from Allah.
May Allah forgive all the deceased, grant them Jannah, and give patience to their families.
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