When someone passes away

In a time of loss it is hard to think clearly. This is a calm, ordered guide to what to do — from the first moments, through ghusl and the Janazah prayer, to the burial. Take it one step at a time.

If this is happening right now, contact your local mosque or imam — they will guide and help you. This page is a general reference only.

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In the first moments

  1. 1
    Say, with patience: إِنَّا لِلَّهِ وَإِنَّا إِلَيْهِ رَاجِعُونَ (Inna lillahi wa inna ilayhi raji'un) — "To Allah we belong, and to Him we return."
  2. 2
    Gently close the eyes, close the mouth, and straighten the limbs while the body is still soft.
  3. 3
    Cover the whole body with a clean cloth.
  4. 4
    Make dua for the deceased's forgiveness and comfort.
  5. 5
    Inform close family and contact your mosque / community to arrange ghusl, Janazah prayer and burial.
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Practical steps

  • Have the death confirmed and registered (death certificate / medical note), as your country requires.
  • Arrange burial as soon as possible — usually the same day or the next.
  • Agree who will wash, shroud and lead the prayer, ideally people who know the method.
  • Inform relatives and friends, and arrange a place for the Janazah prayer.
  • Keep matters simple and calm; avoid loud wailing and excessive display.
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Ghusl (washing) & Kafan (shrouding)

  • Ghusl is done by the same gender (or the spouse), with the awrah kept covered at all times.
  • The body is washed an odd number of times with clean water; the final wash may include a little camphor or perfume.
  • Kafan for a man: three white cloths (izar, qamis and lifafa). For a woman: five pieces.
  • Wrap the body gently, without tight binding, and tie the ends so they can be undone at the grave.
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The Janazah prayer

The funeral prayer is prayed standing, in congregation — there is no ruku or sujud.

  1. 1
    The imam stands near the head (for a man) or the middle (for a woman), facing the Qibla, with the body in front.
  2. 2
    First Takbir (Allahu Akbar) — then quietly recite Surah al-Fatihah.
  3. 3
    Second Takbir — recite the Durud (Allahumma salli 'ala Muhammad…).
  4. 4
    Third Takbir — make dua for the deceased (see below).
  5. 5
    Fourth Takbir — pause briefly, then give salam to the right and the left.
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Burial

  • Place the body in the grave on its right side, facing the Qibla.
  • A lahd (a niche in the side of the grave) is preferred where the ground allows.
  • Untie the knots of the kafan, and let those present place a little soil.
  • It is good to make dua for the deceased after burial.
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Duas

On hearing of a death

إِنَّا لِلَّهِ وَإِنَّا إِلَيْهِ رَاجِعُونَ

Inna lillahi wa inna ilayhi raji'un.

To Allah we belong, and to Him we return.

Dua for the deceased (Janazah)

اللَّهُمَّ اغْفِرْ لَهُ وَارْحَمْهُ وَعَافِهِ وَاعْفُ عَنْهُ

Allahumma-ghfir lahu warhamhu wa 'afihi wa'fu 'anhu. (For a woman: laha, warhamha, 'afiha, wa'fu 'anha.)

O Allah, forgive him, have mercy on him, grant him wellbeing, and pardon him.

When visiting the graves

السَّلَامُ عَلَيْكُمْ أَهْلَ الدِّيَارِ مِنَ الْمُؤْمِنِينَ

Assalamu 'alaikum ahlad-diyari minal-mu'minin.

Peace be upon you, dwellers of these graves, from among the believers.

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What is required, and what is cultural

  • Ghusl, kafan, the Janazah prayer and burial are the essentials — keep them simple and correct.
  • Readings such as Surah Yasin at the graveside, gathering on the 3rd or 40th day, or serving specific foods are customs, not obligations. Avoid anything that becomes an innovation or a burden.
  • Debts must be paid from the estate, and funeral costs come from the estate, before any inheritance is shared.
  • A person may leave a will (wasiyyah) of up to one third of the estate; the rest follows the fixed shares of inheritance.

This is a general guide following the mainstream method. Practices can differ by community — please follow your local mosque and a qualified scholar for your specific situation.