JANAZAH SERVICES & UPHOLDING THE RIGHTS OF THE DECEASED
I. The Sanctity and Importance of the Janazah in Islam
In accordance with the Sunnah of our Beloved Prophet Muhammad ﷺ and the governing principles of the Constitution of Masjid Al-Wasatiyah Wal-Itidaal, fulfilling the rights of a deceased Muslim is a communal obligation (Fard Kifayah). Honoring the deceased with dignity, promptness, and strictly according to Islamic jurisprudence (Fiqh) is a vital responsibility shared by the entire community.
The Prophet ﷺ explicitly highlighted the fundamental rights a Muslim owes to their brother or sister in faith, including the rite of burial:
"The rights of one Muslim over another are five: returning the greeting of peace, visiting the sick, attending funerals (Janazah), accepting invitations, and responding to the one who sneezes."
— Sahih al-Bukhari & Sahih Muslim
Furthermore, participating in the Janazah prayer and attending the burial carries immense spiritual reward, as stated by the Messenger of Allah ﷺ:
"Whoever attends the funeral until the prayer is offered will have a Qirat of reward, and whoever remains until the burial is completed will have two Qirats." It was asked, "What are two Qirats?" He replied, "Like two huge mountains."
— Sahih al-Bukhari & Sahih Muslim
II. Fundamental Rights of the Deceased Muslim (Shurut al-Janazah)
To ensure full compliance with the Prophetic Sunnah and our organizational standards, Masjid Al-Wasatiyah Wal-Itidaal strictly upholds the four core rights of the deceased Muslim:
Washing (Ghusl): Performing the ritual purification of the deceased body with dignity, respect, and privacy by trustworthy individuals of the same gender (or between legal spouses).
Shrouding (Kafan): Wrapping the deceased in a simple, clean, white cloth without extravagance or ostentation.
Funeral Prayer (Salat al-Janazah): Performing the collective prayer seeking forgiveness, mercy, and steadfastness for the deceased prior to burial.
Burial (Dafn): Promptly interring the body in a designated Muslim cemetery, positioned facing the Qiblah, without delay.
III. Community Guidelines and Governance Rules
To maintain order, solemnity, and Islamic compliance during Janazah services coordinated by or held at Masjid Al-Wasatiyah Wal-Itidaal, the following rules must be observed by all community members:
Expediency in Burial: In accordance with the Sunnah, arrangements must be initiated immediately upon passing. Delays for non-essential reasons or un-Islamic customs are strictly discouraged.
Prohibition of Innovations (Bida’ah) & Un-Islamic Practices: Funeral proceedings must remain free from loud wailing, eulogizing that contradicts Islamic beliefs, lavish floral displays, or imitation of non-Muslim funeral rites.
Adherence to Mosque Regulations: All Janazah arrangements conducted under the authority of Masjid Al-Wasatiyah Wal-Itidaal must be coordinated through the administration to ensure legal, regulatory, and constitutionally compliant handling.
Support for Bereaved Families: The community is encouraged to support grieving families by providing meals (Ta'am) and offering comfort without imposing financial or logistical burdens upon them.
IV. Coordinating Janazah Services
If you experience the loss of a family member or require immediate assistance with Ghusl, Kafan, or scheduling Salat al-Janazah, please contact the Masjid administration immediately at (215) 669-9977 or email info@wasatiyah.org.
May Allah ﷻ grant mercy to our deceased, forgive their shortcomings, expand their graves, and grant comfort and steadfastness to their loved ones. Aameen.
Issued by:
Office of Administrative Affairs & Governance
Masjid Al-Wasatiyah Wal-Itidaal