place for so sacred an office; but either in a mosque, or in some open space near the dwelling of the deceased person, or the graveyard. The owner of the corpse, i. e. the nearest relative, is the proper person to recite the service; but it is usually said by the family Imám, or the village Qází.
The following is the order of the service:—
Some one present calls out,—
"Here begin the prayers for the dead."
Then those present arrange themselves in three, five, or seven rows opposite the corpse, with their faces Qiblawards (i. e. towards Mecca). The Imám stands in front of the ranks opposite the head[1] of the corpse, if it be that of a male, or the waist, if it be that of a female.
The whole company having taken up the Qíám, or standing position, the Imám recites the Niyat.
"I purpose to perform prayers to God, for this dead person, consisting of four Takbírs."
Then placing his hands to the lobes of his ears, he says the first Takbír.
"God is great!"
Then folding his hands, the right hand placed upon the left, below the navel, he recites the Subhán:—
"Holiness to Thee, O God,"
"And to Thee be praise."
- ↑ The Shíaʾhs stand opposite the loins of a man.
