Islamic funerals

Muslims believe that death is not the end of a person’s existence and that they will have eternal life.

So although funerals are naturally a sad time for friends and relations, they are also a time of hope and there are prayers for the person’s peace and happiness in the life to come.

Muslims believe that after death the soul waits in barzsakh (for Judgement Day).

Muslims are not cremated because they believe that after Judgement Day the dead will be restored to their bodies.

Funerals are usually simple, without a coffin, and various rituals are followed, regardless of whether the person is rich or poor because in death Muslims believe all are equal.

Funerals usually take place in the nearest mosque as soon as possible after death, sometimes within 24 hours and bodies are buried facing Mecca.

Length of funeral and other 'rules'

As soon as possible after death the family wash and shroud the body, which is then taken to the site of the funeral prayers, often outside the mosque.

The funeral prayer is similar to the five daily prayers, with some variations. The funeral prayers and burial can take place at any time except:

• From sunrise until the sun is fully risen;
• The middle of the day;
• From when the sun pales before sunset until it has set.

The burial takes place in a cemetery (often a section is set aside for Muslims), without a coffin unless it is required by law, and the body is laid on his or her right side, facing Mecca.

Although everyone in the community attends the funeral prayers, only the men go with the body to the graveside.

It is usual for Muslims to be buried in the area they died, not transported elsewhere.

Graves can have a simple head stone but are not normally marked with a tombstone or monument, or decorated with flowers.

After the funeral, relatives are usually in mourning for three days. During this time the family is visited by friends and they do not wear decorative clothing or jewellery.

For widows, mourning can extend to four months and ten days during which time she is expected to stay at home, not to wear bright clothes, jewellery, makeup or perfume.

Shia Muslims traditionally mark 40 days after a death with a ceremony called the 'Arbayeen'.  This is based on the 40 days of mourning the beheading martyrdom of Husayn bin Ali, the grandson of the prophet Muhammad.

Graves are raised above ground level so that people do not walk on them.

Things to discuss with your Imam

It is a good idea to seek advice from your Imam about how much flexibility is allowed in the funeral service to include particular elements you would like. Bear in mind, though, that the short time between death and burial and the rituals that should be performed may make this impossible.

Order of Service

While people are standing by the grave the opening Surah of the Qur’an is read:
"In the name of Allah, Most Gracious, Most Merciful. Praise be to Allah the Cherisher and Sustainer of the worlds. Most Gracious, Most Merciful, Master of the Day of Judgement, You alone do we worship and Your aid we seek. Show us the straight way, the way of those to whom You have given Your favour, and not of those who go astray." Surah 1

Then, once the body is in the ground, people say:
"From the earth have We created you, and into it We shall return you and from it shall We bring you forth once more." Surah 20:55

Secular music, readings and other features

These are not normally permitted but it is something to discuss with your Imam.

Should we have a gathering afterwards?

This is something to discuss with your Imam.

Memorial services

Check with your Imam if this is appropriate.

If the life was remarkable, then the family may want to organise an event that celebrates the life. Such an event will strictly observe Islamic customs as a mark of respect.

A complete discussion of death and burial rites in Islam is given in the Authentic, Step-by-Step, Illustrated Janazah Guide by brother Mohamed Siala, published by IANA.

This guide discusses all aspects of a proper Islamic burial: what to do when a Muslim dies, details of how to wash and shroud the deceased, how to perform the funeral prayers and the burial.

The guide also dispels many myths and cultural traditions that are not based in Islam.

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