Janazah Process

“Inna lillahi wa inna ilayhi raji'un — To Allah we belong and to Him we return.”

Our masjid is here to support families during their time of loss by providing guidance, facilities, and assistance with all aspects of the Janazah process.

What to Do Immediately

Obtain the death certificate.
Contact one of our partnered funeral/memorial homes for body pickup.
Notify our Janazah coordinator to begin arrangements.

Coordinator: Hamza Bolur

Phone: (973) 345-6584

Email: support@ulucami.org

Address: 408 Knickerbocker Ave, Paterson, NJ 07503

Body Washing (Ghusl) & Shrouding (Kafan)

The masjid provides a dedicated ghusl area following Islamic guidelines.
Services are performed respectfully by trained, same-gender volunteers.
Family members may attend if permitted.
Shrouding (kafan) materials are provided or can be brought by the family.

Facility Use and Fees

Ghusl Facility: A recommended donation of $200
Kitchen / Gathering Area: A recommended donation of $500

Burial & Cemetery Options

Burials are typically held at Laurel Grove Cemetery in Totowa.
Ulu Cami does not sell burial plots, they must be purchased from the Cemetery
When purchasing plots, you should request to purchase from the Turkish section
Burials are performed as soon as possible according to Islamic practice.

Laurel Grove Cemetery

Address: 295 Totowa Rd, Totowa, NJ 07512

Phone: 973-956-0711

Email: wecare@laurelgrovecemetery.com

Hours: Monday-Friday 9:00 am to 4:00 pm.

Community Support and Fundraising

We will set up a crowdfunding campaign for all Janazah's to assist with funeral costs
Campaigns will be open for 3 days. The gathered donations will be distributed shortly after

Janazah Prayer & Funeral Guidelines

Janazah Prayer

Intention (Niyet):

Make the intention silently: “I intend to perform the Janazah prayer for the deceased for the sake of Allah.”

First Takbir:

Imam will raise hands and say “Allahu Akbar.” Congregation will follow silently
Recite Subhanaka with the additional line:

“Subhanaka Allahumma wa bihamdika wa tabarakasmuka wa ta‘ala jadduka Wa jalla thanā’uka wa la ilaha ghayruk.”

Second Takbir:

Imam will say “Allahu Akbar." Do not raise your hands.
Recite Salat al-Ibrahimiyya:

“Allahumma salli ‘ala Muhammad wa ‘ala ali Muhammad kama sallayta ‘ala Ibrahim wa ‘ala ali Ibrahim, innaka Hamidun Majid.

Allahumma barik ‘ala Muhammad wa ‘ala ali Muhammad kama barakta ‘ala Ibrahim wa ‘ala ali Ibrahim, innaka Hamidun Majid.”

Third Takbir:

Imam will say “Allahu Akbar.” Do not raise your hands.
Recite the Janazah du'a. Those who don't know can recite Surah Al-Fatiha

Fourth Takbir:

Imam will say “Allahu Akbar” and “Assalamu ‘alaykum wa rahmatullah” turning the head to the right and left. The congregation will follow.
Imam will make a short du'a and close with Al-Fatiha

Islamic Funeral Guidelines

Key Points:

Burial should occur as soon as possible after the Janazah prayer
Embalming or cremation are not permitted unless legally required
The body should be placed facing the qiblah in the grave
Men typically lower the body into the grave; women may attend but traditionally do not
Visitors are encouraged to offer du’a and avoid excessive displays of grief
Traditionally, meals were cooked and brought to the families of the deceased to ease their burden. It is not recommended for the families to hold large gatherings and host guests with food.
“Every soul shall taste death.” (Qur’an 21:35) — a reminder for all attending the Janazah to reflect on the reality of life and death, and to approach the proceedings with humility, mindfulness, and remembrance of Allah.
Charity or Qur’an recitation in the name of the deceased is recommended.

“When a person dies, their deeds come to an end except three: ongoing charity, beneficial knowledge, or a righteous child who prays for them.”

— Prophet Muhammad ﷺ (Muslim)

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