Muslim Community Practice of Ṣalāt al-Janāzah (Funeral Prayer) in the Southern Philippines: A Socio-Legal Study
Abstract
Ṣalāt al-Janāzah (Funeral Prayer) is a communal Islamic obligation governed by Islamic legal principles concerning the treatment and burial of deceased Muslims and carried out through community participation and religious authority. This study examined the Muslim community practice of Ṣalāt al-Janāzah in Pageda, Talitay, Maguindanao del Norte, Philippines, focusing on perceptions regarding entitlement to lead the funeral prayer, awareness of its performance, challenges encountered, and interventions perceived to address these challenges. Using a quantitative descriptive research design, the study surveyed 50 selected community respondents, including religious leaders, community members, women, youth, a family member of a deceased person, and a barangay official. Data were collected through a face-to-face questionnaire and analyzed using weighted mean based on five-point response scales. Findings showed that respondents often regarded religious knowledge and recognized religious authority as considerations in determining who should lead Ṣalāt al-Janāzah (M = 3.75). Respondents were fully aware of the performance of the funeral prayer (M = 4.47), while they agreed that religious, cultural, social, and organizational factors present challenges to its implementation (M = 3.94). They also strongly agreed with the proposed interventions (M = 4.84), particularly those involving religious education, qualified guidance, community training, communication, and organized participation. The findings indicate that the practice of Ṣalāt al-Janāzah in Pageda involves the application of Islamic legal and religious principles within a local social context, where religious authority, community roles, cultural practices, and practical circumstances interact. The study contributes to the socio-legal understanding of Muslim funeral practices by demonstrating how Islamic norms are understood and applied within community-based religious practice.
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Article Information
Issue: Vol. 5 No. 2 (2026): Parewa Saraq: Journal of Islamic Law and Fatwa Review
Copyright
Copyright (c) 2026 Pahima G. Saguia, Sandra K. Kasan, Rasul A. Gulo, Shahida M. Lintang

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