These prayers are simple Du'a and not a Namaz. There is no well-authenticated Tradition to the effect that the Prophet ever said Namaz on such an occasion; whilst there are many which show that he made Du'a. This is a very good example of the use of the term Salat as a _Mushtarik_ word, _i.e._ one which has several significations. Its ordinary meaning is Namaz; here it means Du'a. (vii). Salat-ul-Janaza.--Prayers at a Funeral. When a person is about to die, the attendants should place him on his right side with his face Qibla-wards. In that position he should repeat the "Kalima-i-Shahadat," the creed of testimony: "I confess that God is one, without a partner; that truly Muhammad is His servant and His Apostle." After death has taken place, the corpse is laid out, incense is burnt, and the shroud is perfumed an _odd_ number of times. A tradition states that an odd number is fixed upon, because the number one which represents the unity of God is odd and not even. The lesser lustration (wazu) is then made. The head and beard are washed with a decoction made of some flowers, after which the greater lustration (ghusl) is made. The members of the body used when making sijda (prostration) _i.e._, forehead, nose, hands, knees, feet, are then rubbed with camphor. To recite the Salat-ul-Janaza is a duty called Farz-i-kifaya, that is, if some few persons in the assembly say it, all need not do so; whilst if no one repeats it all will be guilty of sin. To prove that this Namaz is farz the following verse is quoted: "Take alms of their substance, that thou mayest {208} cleanse and purify them thereby, and pray for them; for thy prayers shall assure their minds: and God heareth, knoweth." (Sura ix. 104.) The proof that it is not Farz-i-'ain (_i.e._, incumbent on all), but Farz-i-kifaya is drawn from an account given in a Hadis, to the effect that the Prophet one day did not recite the Namaz over one of his deceased followers. Now, if the Namaz had been Farz-i-'ain even the Prophet could not have omitted it. His Sunnat, or practice, has decided the nature of the farz command contained in the verse of the Quran just quoted. The Namaz can only be said when the corpse is present. It is recited in the open space in front of the Mosque, or in some neighbouring spot: never in the graveyard. When all are assembled the Imam or leader says: "Here begins the Namaz for the dead." The company present then stand up in rows with faces turned in the direction of Mecca. The Imam stands a little in front, near the head or waist of the corpse according as it is that of a male or female. Then all assume the Qiam, or standing position, and recite the Niyyat as follows:-- "I recite Namaz for the sake of God, and offer prayers (Du'a) for this deceased person, and I follow the Imam (who is about to officiate.)" Then all at the first[213] Takbir put the hands to the lobe of the ears and say: "God is Great!" Then they say the Sana (Ante, p. 195.):--