Prayers for the Deceased from the Prophet
The Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) frequently offered prayers for the deceased during their funeral prayer, encouraging the congregation to engage in abundant supplication and seek forgiveness for the departed. Below are some of the prayers attributed to the Prophet during the funeral service:
- (O Allah, forgive him, have mercy on him, grant him well-being, and pardon him. Honor his resting place, expand his entrance, cleanse him with water, snow, and hail, and purify him from sins as a white garment is purified from filth. Replace his abode with a better one than his previous home and his family with a better family, and grant him a spouse better than his former spouse. Admit him into Paradise and protect him from the torment of the grave).
- (O Allah, this individual, son of such-and-such, is under Your protection and within Your neighborhood; protect him from the trials of the grave and the punishment of the Fire. You are the Most Trustworthy and the Arbiter of Truth. O Allah, forgive him and have mercy upon him. Indeed, You are the Most Forgiving, Most Merciful).
- (O Allah, Your servant and son of Your maidservant stands in need of Your mercy, and You are free of any need for his punishment. If he has been righteous, increase his good deeds, and if he has transgressed, overlook his faults).
- (O Allah, You are her Lord, You created her, You provided for her, You guided her to Islam, You took her soul, and You know her secrets and public life. We stand as intercessors, so forgive her).
Intercessory Prayers for Muslims During Funeral Prayers
According to the father of Abu Ibrahim Al-Ashhali (may Allah be pleased with him), the Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) would say during the funeral prayer: (O Allah, forgive the living and the deceased among us, those present and those absent, our young and old, our males and females).
Prayers for the Deceased After Burial
Supplicating for the deceased is highly recommended, with traditional prayers being preferred. However, Muslims are encouraged to offer their own heartfelt prayers for the departed and all deceased Muslims. They may ask Allah (the Exalted) for forgiveness and mercy. Below are some suggested supplications:
- O Allah, treat him as You see fit, and do not deal with him as he deserves.
- O Allah, reward him for his good deeds with further goodness, and grant him forgiveness for any ill deeds.
- O Allah, admit him into Paradise without interrogation or prior punishment.
- O Allah, comfort him in his solitude, in his desolation, and in his estrangement.
- O Allah, grant him the companionship of the truthful, the martyrs, and the righteous, and what excellent companions they are.
- O Allah, make his grave a garden from the gardens of Paradise, and do not make it a pit from the pits of Hell.
- O Allah, expand his grave to the extent of his sight, and furnish his resting place with the furnishings of Paradise.
- O Allah, fill his grave with satisfaction, light, spaciousness, and joy.
- O Allah, we implore You, and with You, we swear an oath to rescue him from punishment and grant him steadfastness during questioning.
- O Allah, he has come to You and You are the best shelter, and he has awoken in need of Your mercy while You are free from any need for his punishment.
- O Allah, grant him Your mercy and approval, shield him from the trials of the grave and its punishment, and envelop him in Your mercy until You resurrect him into Your Paradise, O Most Merciful of the merciful.
- O Allah, transfer him from the dwelling of worms and the constricting grave to the Gardens of Eternity.
- O Allah, protect him under the earth, shield him on the Day of Resurrection, and do not disgrace him on the Day when they will be resurrected.
- O Allah, grant him peace from the terror of the Day of Resurrection, and make his soul tranquil and secure, and help him articulate his testimony.
- O Allah, Your mercy encompasses all things; bestow upon him a mercy that comforts his soul and brings joy to his eyes.