Islamic burial rituals

When it comes to burial vs. cremation, burying the dead is the only method prescribed. A number Al Khidmat of burial rituals are also prescribed.

Funeral rites are very important for Muslims because they show respect for the dead, and include various ceremonies which people believe are necessary to ensure that the deceased go on to whatever their next life will be. In addition, they give relatives and friends of the deceased time to mourn and show their grief.

Some of the burial and funeral rites include:

Preparing the body: It must be cleansed at least three times either by the spouse or same sex family member
The body has to be cleansed in a particular order: It begins with the upper right side, then the upper left side, lower right side, and ending with the lower left side

A woman’s hair is cleansed and put into three braids
Shrouding the body: Three white sheets are first spread out and stacked one upon the other. The body is then placed on top of them. The left hand of the deceased is placed and the chest and the right hand is placed on top of it. The sheets are brought over the body one at a time, first the right side and then the left. A rope is tied at the top of the head and another below the feet. One or two ropes are tied around the middle of the body.
The Muslim funeral etiquette
Muslim funeral etiquette tips include:

Men should wear a shirt and trousers
Women should wear a headscarf, an ankle-length skirt, and a long-sleeved shirt
Clean socks must be worn because your shoes have to be removed before the prayers
Traditionally, only men would attend a Muslim funeral, however, some Muslim communities permit women to attend
Photography or video recordings are not allowed
There should be no loud emotional expressions or sacrilegious speeches
Islamic funeral prayers
Family and friends perform Ṣalāt al-Janāzah, the Islamic funeral prayer before the funeral takes place. Every male must participate, but women only participate if they are willing to do so.

During the Muslim funeral service, an Imam says prayers and recites from the Quran.

Planning a Muslim funeral in the UK
Islamic funeral rites and traditions are an important part of the Muslim community in the UK. Family members in charge of the funeral will typically contact their local Islamic organisations for assistance. Together they will look for a suitable funeral home or funeral director with experience arranging a Muslim funeral, often with direct links to the Mosque,

There is no viewing or visitation and mourners must attend their mosque’s prayer room to offer religious prayers for the deceased.

Discover more about the death rituals practised in the UK today.