The Most Beautiful Prayers for the Deceased
God Almighty -may He be glorified- has designed death and life as tests for humanity, urging individuals to perform righteous deeds and prepare for the meeting with their Creator. Death has been decreed upon every soul, making it an inevitable reality for all living beings on Earth, except for Allah -subhanahu wa ta’ala-. In His mercy, God has granted opportunities for the deceased to continue receiving rewards and blessings, one of which is the act of praying for the dead. Islam is a religion of loyalty, teaching its followers the importance of maintaining good relationships even after the departure of loved ones. The loss of a close person is painful and sorrowful; thus, the family and friends of the deceased find comfort in praying for them, which strengthens their spiritual connection to God. Islamic law recognizes the practice of praying for deceased Muslims, a commendable tradition rooted in the practices of the Prophet Muhammad -peace be upon him- and the companions and followers, may Allah be pleased with them.
Among the most beautiful prayers that can be offered for the deceased are the following:
- (O Allah, ease their solitude, provide them comfort in their loneliness and uphold them in their estrangement. O Allah, grant them a blessed abode, for You are the best of hosts. Place them in the company of martyrs and the righteous, and what an excellent companion they shall have).
- (O Allah, make their graves a garden from the gardens of Paradise, and do not make it a pit from the pits of Hell. O Allah, expand their graves and bless them with the comfort of Paradise).
- (O Allah, Your servants are under Your protection and in the refuge of Your vicinity; protect them from the trials of the grave and the torment of Hell. You are the Provider of fidelity and truth, so forgive them and have mercy on them; indeed, You are the Most Forgiving, Most Merciful).
- (O Allah, grant them Your mercy and pleasure, protect them from the trials and torments of the grave, and grant them security from Your punishment until You resurrect them to Your Paradise, O Most Merciful of the merciful).
- (O Allah, forgive them and elevate their ranks among the guided, expand their graves, illuminate them within, and make their graves a garden from the gardens of Paradise. Forgive us and them, O Most Merciful of the merciful).
- (O Allah, admit them to Paradise without questioning or prior punishment).
- (O Allah, protect the deceased beneath the earth, cover them on the Day of Resurrection, and do not disgrace them on the Day they are raised, the Day when neither wealth nor children will be of any benefit except for one who comes to Allah with a sound heart).
Funeral Rites and Prayers for the Deceased
- **Funeral Procession:** It is recommended to increase the number of participants in the funeral procession, as it brings greater mercy to the deceased. The Prophet Muhammad -peace be upon him- said, “Whenever forty believers attend the funeral of a Muslim and do not associate anything with Allah, Allah will grant them intercession for the deceased.” This serves as a reminder of the importance of rejecting polytheism and affirming the Oneness of Allah, which is more beneficial and hopeful for the deceased.
- **Legitimacy of Praying for the Deceased:** Offering prayers for the deceased, both before and after burial, is a sound practice that the Prophet -peace be upon him- and his companions observed. It is narrated that the Prophet would stand by the grave after burying a deceased person and advise, “Ask forgiveness for your brother, and ask for his firmness as he is now being questioned.” Thus, a Muslim invokes forgiveness and rewards for their deceased brother in imitation of the Prophet Muhammad.
- **Importance of Children’s Prayers for Their Deceased Parents:** The Prophet -peace be upon him- encouraged children, both sons and daughters, to pray for their deceased parents. The prayers of children serve as continuous streams of good deeds and mercy for their deceased parents. The good conduct of children can be a reason for divine mercy descending upon their parents’ souls through their prayers. It is reported that the Prophet said, “When a person dies, his deeds come to an end except for three: a lasting charity, beneficial knowledge, or a righteous child who prays for him.” Moreover, the Prophet stated, “Allah raises the rank of His servant in Paradise and the servant says, ‘O Lord, how did I achieve this?’ Allah replies, ‘Because of your child’s seeking forgiveness for you.’” Thus, the ranks of both father and mother are elevated by their children’s prayers for forgiveness and mercy.
Occasions for Praying for the Deceased
There are various occasions and forms for praying for the deceased. The funeral prayer is one such opportunity, and after the burial, attendees may also pray for the deceased. It is recommended for children and relatives to pray for the deceased, and such prayers need not be limited to invoking God at the grave. The details are as follows:
Praying for the Deceased in the Funeral Prayer
The Prophet -peace be upon him- would pray for the deceased in the funeral prayer, seeking mercy, forgiveness, and a place of honor in the grave, as well as asking to purify the deceased from sins. The Prophet’s invocation for the deceased included: “O Allah, forgive him, have mercy on him, grant him pardon, honor his reception, expand his entrance, and cleanse him with water, snow, and ice. Purify him from his sins as a white garment is purified from dirt.” It has been established that the Prophet -peace be upon him- would pray for the living and deceased alike, irrespective of their age or gender, stating: “O Allah, forgive our living and our deceased, our present and our absent, our young and our old, our male and female.” It is preferable to invoke the deceased using established prayers, although there is no harm in praying with different supplications that may be inspired during the prayer, as the Prophet -peace be upon him- said, “When you pray for the deceased, invoke Allah sincerely for him.”
Praying for the Deceased during Mourning
It is encouraged to pray for the deceased during mourning ceremonies, invoking forgiveness and mercy for the deceased and patience and reward for the family members. It is permissible to say what is beneficial, such as commonly expressed phrases like: “May Allah increase your reward. May Allah console you. May Allah forgive your deceased.” There are no specific words for condolences; rather, one should say what they believe will alleviate the suffering of the bereaved. The Prophet -peace be upon him- would comfort the family of the deceased, reminding them that all people return to Allah -subhanahu wa ta’ala- by saying, “Indeed, to Allah belongs what He takes, and to Him belongs what He gives, and everything has a predetermined term with Him.”
General Prayer for the Deceased
It is highly recommended to pray for the deceased Muslims in general terms without being restricted to specific phrases. This can be the most beneficial act for the deceased. Allah says: (And those who came after them say, “Our Lord, forgive us and our brothers who preceded us in faith, and do not place in our hearts any resentment towards those who have believed. Our Lord, indeed You are Kind and Merciful.”). However, invoking the prayers taught by the Prophet is superior; he was granted comprehensive statements, and no one can express better than what he has conveyed. The supplications mentioned for funeral prayers are also applicable outside of those prayers, and there is no requirement to limit them to the funeral setting alone. These invocations focus on praising Allah -subhanahu wa ta’ala- who is deserving of mercy and forgiveness. It involves praying for the deceased’s sins to be wiped away and that they are honored as they approach Allah, seeking protection from the torment of the grave and Hellfire. The supplicant sincerely beseeches Allah -subhanahu wa ta’ala- to bless the deceased with good deeds and overlook their shortcomings, for He is the Most Forgiving, Most Merciful.