Elements of Islamic Studies
Lesson 53: The Prayer for the Deceased (Salat al-Mayyit)
Salat al-mayyit is wajib al-kifa’i, i.e. it is obligatory on every
Muslim but as soon as it is performed correctly by one of them, it
remains no more obligatory on others; but if no one offers the prayer
everyone is a sinner.
If the deceased was six years old, the prayer for the deceased is
obligatory. In offering this prayer, purity of the body or dress is not
necessary; also ghusl, wudhu or tayammum is not obligatory. But
the intention of the prayer (niyyah) and facing qibla is essential.
The dead body should be placed in such a way that the head of the
deceased remains on the right of those who offer the prayer. In the case
of the dead body of a male, the Imam should stand near his waist; and in
the case of a female, near the chest.
Prayer of deceased has 5 takbirs (including Takbiratul-Ihram).
After the first takbir (i.e., takbiratul-ihram) the Kalima
al-shahadatayn is recited. After 2nd the takbir, salawat is
recited. After the 3rd takbir, prayer is offered for all the believers
and Muslims. After the 4th takbir, prayer is offered especially for
the deceased one. Then the 5th takbir is said And the prayer comes to
end.
The shortest method of offering this prayer is as follows:
Niyyah: I pray Salat al-mayyit of this corpse Wajib, qurbatan
ilal-Laah. Allahu Akbar;
Ashhadu an-la ilaha illallahu wahdahu la sharika lah; Wa Ashhadu Anna
Muhammadan
Abduhu wa Rasuluh;
Allahu Akbar;
Allahumma salli ‘ala Muhammadin wa Aali Muhammad; Allahu Akbar;
Allahummaghfir li’l Mu’minina wa’l Mu’minaat; Allahu Akbar;
Allahummaghfir li haadha’l mayyit (In case the deceased is a female,
say Allahummaghfir li haadhihi’l mayyit);
Allahu Akbar;
After the completion of the prayer recite "Rabbana aatina fid-dunya
hasanatan wa fi’l aakhera hasanatan waqina adhaban-naar."
It is necessary to mention that even if this prayer is offered by
jama’ah, everyone has to recite the whole prayer. It is not correct
just to say 'Allahu Akbar' and remain silent between the takbirs.
Such a prayer is invalid (batil).