I seek refuge in God from Satan the rejected.
In the name of God, Most Gracious, Most Merciful.
Question: What is mentioned in the Quran about the Funeral Prayer and How do
we Perform it?
The funeral (Janaaza) prayer is mentioned in the Quran only once.
[9:84] You shall not observe the funeral prayer for any of them when he dies, nor shall you stand at his grave. They have disbelieved in GOD and His messenger, and died in a state of wickedness.
So, if the deceased does not fall into the category of people mentioned in the verse, then it is permissible to offer a funeral prayer for the departed soul.
The funeral prayer is performed standing. There is no bowing or prostrating like the Contact Prayers (Salat). Traditionally, the properly covered body of the deceased or the casket is placed in the courtyard or patio of the mosque in front of the congregation. In some cases, the body of the deceased may not be available. The funeral prayer can still be observed and it can be performed in any suitable place. The important thing is to remember God while trying to provide comfort and support to the family, relatives and friends of the deceased.
For the Submitters (Muslims) who wish to observe the funeral prayer for a departed soul, a format is below:
First, an announcement is made for the group that there will be a funeral prayer for a certain departed soul. Everyone declares silently his or her intention (niyat) for the prayer. The Imam (the leader of the prayer), standing in front of the congregation, speaks out Takbirs (Allahu Akbar or God is Great) loudly. Everything else is done silently. There are four Takbirs.
(1) Allahu Akbar with raising hands. Read Al Fateha (The Key) silently
(2) Allahu Akbar without raising hands. Ask forgiveness and mercy from God for the departed soul silently.
(3) Allahu Akbar without raising hands. Ask forgiveness and mercy from God for all believers silently.
(4) Allahu Akbar without raising hands. Say the closing salaams (as-salaam alaikum turning your head to the right and to the left)
This concludes the funeral prayer. People can then offer condolences to the
family and friends of the deceased, if they have not already done so.