Types of Janazah Announcements at the Two Holy Mosques

May 1, 2026

The Arabic phrase used before the funeral prayer reveals exactly who is being prayed over — and most worshippers don’t know what to listen for.

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If you have ever prayed at Masjid al-Haram (Grand Mosque) in Makkah or Masjid an-Nabawi (Prophet’s Mosque) in Madinah, you have likely heard a short Arabic phrase called out after the fard prayer before the Janazah begins.

For many worshippers, it passes as background sound. But that phrase carries precise meaning — it tells the Janazah prayer exactly who they are about to pray for.

Four Phrases, Four Situations

The announcement follows a clear system. Each phrase corresponds to a specific type of deceased:

“As-salātu ‘ala al-mayyit” — This is used when there is one deceased adult. Al-mayyit is the Arabic singular for “the deceased.”
“As-salātu ‘ala al-amwāt” — This is used when there are multiple deceased adults. Al-amwāt is the plural form.
“As-salātu ‘ala al-ṭifl” — This is used when the deceased is a child. Al-ṭifl means “the child.”
“Al-amwāt wa al-ṭifl” — This is used when there are both adults and a child to be prayed over at the same time.

Types of Janazah Announcements masjid al haram and nabawi

Why It Matters

In Salat al-Janazah, every worshipper must form a clear intention before the prayer begins. Part of that intention involves knowing who the prayer is for.

The announcement removes any ambiguity — especially in the large congregations at the Two Holy Mosques, where the body is not always visible to those praying in distant rows.

At both Masjid al-Haram (Grand Mosque) and Masjid an-Nabawi (Prophet’s Mosque), Janazah prayer is offered after every fard prayer.

Making the distinction between al-mayyit, al-amwāt, and al-ṭifl practically important for worshippers forming their niyyah.