Burial

Post Death

A loss of an individual is not just regarded as a loss to the family but to the whole community as well. For this reason, it is common for people who may not know an individual personally to attend his/her funeral. In fact Muslims are encouraged to attend any Muslim’s funeral due to the profound personal, social and spiritual significance of such an event.

Muslims strive to bury the deceased as soon as possible after death therefore it is not unusual for the deceased to be buried within 24 hours of their death. 

The main steps involved are Ghusl (washing of the body - once released by coroners/hospital etc), Kafn (shrouding of the body in two simple white sheets and some itr/perfume - see picture), performance of the funeral prayer (known as Janaza) and finally burial. The first two steps are performed only by close relatives and community members due to the close contact with the body.

The funeral prayer (Janaza) is a Muslim ritual which must be performed by Muslims. Observers are welcome. The janaza is performed either in the funeral grounds itself or in an open space or in the local masjid. Prior to the janaza time is given for attendees and observers to pay their respects by walking past the coffin of the deceased. Seeing the face of a deceased person, especially someone you knew in life, is a reminder of our own mortality and that one day we too will pass away. It is a time of reflection to assess whether we are living our lives in service to the people around us and to The Creator who made us all.

After the death of a loved one, Muslims will supplicate on behalf of the deceased, for God to forgive his or her sins. They will then visit the deceased's household for condolences. In Islam, the local community are encouraged to bring or arrange food for the deceased's household (to make the mourning period easier). Most Muslims will commence reading of the Holy Qur'an due to the belief that Allah (God) will send the rewards of their recitation to the deceased.

Etiquettes

There are also some matters regarding etiquette that one should be aware of when attending the janaza funeral. Women from the Muslim faith commonly do not typically attend the janaza funeral unless its in the sisters section of a masjid or designated area however should other women wish to attend the following advice should be noted:

Dress code

The dress code for Men and Women should be modest. This means a shirt and trousers for men and an ankle length skirt, which should not be tight or transparent, together with a long sleeved and high-necked top for the women. A headscarf is also essential for women. Shoes are removed before going into the prayer hall. Clean and presentable socks, stockings, or tights are therefore a good idea.

The funeral prayer (janaza)

The congregation will line up in rows behind the deceased coffin to perform the Funeral prayer. It should be noted here that the funeral prayer is performed for the deceased and not to the deceased.

Following its completion the congregation will form two lines and pass the coffin from shoulder to shoulder taking it towards the grave site (if the funeral prayer has taken place at the burial site). Observors are welcome to follow the congregation as they move the coffin towards the grave however a short distance should be kept thereby allowing the congregation walking space to carry the coffin. Once at the grave the coffin will be lowered, usually by members of the family, and the grave filled. The Imam will then say a few final prayers at the graveside and following this, the congregation will disperse. The immediate members of the family will most likely remain at the graveside for a short while longer; this may be an opportune time for visitors to convey their condolences if they so wish.

It should be noted that grief and the way it is handled is dependant on people’s cultural influences and therefore the above advice should be treated as general guidance.

Benefiting the Deceased

According to Islam, from the moment of death, the deceased's book of deeds from his or her own's actions is closed and nothing more can benefit the deceased except for three things:

1. Pious children who continue to perform good deeds and pray for their parent

2. Sadaqa Jariya (continuous charity which benefits in perpetuity e.g. building a well or a school). Some people set up a legacy page on https://www.launchgood.com/Legacy for example.

3. Good knowledge which the deceased used to say or do (which should be shared and furthered by all i.e. so and so used to say that neighbours should be checked upon to make sure they're ok)

Now the deceased is in his/her second life in the barzak (grave) awaiting the resurrection for the Day of Judgement when good and bad deeds will be judged by God All-Mighty and balanced on the Scales of Justice.

Family of the deceased

What is appropriate to do or give to a Muslim family after hearing of a death?

• Card of sympathy and well-wishes

• Donation towards a continuous charity (e.g. building a well) in the name of the deceased

• Flowers that can be laid at the grave

• Attendance at the burial

• Visits to the household (a few days after the burial)

The reason for the three days quick burial is so that life can move on for the community since death is a part of life. The deceased's wife or husband usually continues mourning for a longer period of time.