How is the funeral prayer (salat al-janazah) performed?

Salat al-janazah is a communal obligation offered standing, with no bowing or prostration — a prayer of intercession rather than ordinary worship. The body, wrapped in its shroud, is placed in front of the worshippers, with the imam standing level with the chest or head for a man, and the middle for a woman. The prayer consists of four takbirs (raising the hands and saying 'Allahu Akbar'). After the first takbir, the worshipper silently recites al-Fatihah; after the second, salutations upon the Prophet ﷺ; after the third, a dua for the deceased, asking Allah to forgive them, have mercy on them, and admit them into Paradise; after the fourth takbir, the prayer closes with the salam. There is no set place — courtyards, mosque grounds, or open ground are all fine — and it is encouraged to gather as many worshippers as possible, since it is hoped that a large congregation's collective dua carries extra weight for the one who has passed.

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