Islamic Funerals
Islamic funerals require that any burial occur as soon as possible after death. Burial rituals include:
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Bathing the
Deceased
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Enshrouding the Body
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Funeral Prayers
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The Burial
Islamic Funerals: Bathing the Deceased
In preparation of an islamic funeral, the body of the deceased is washed for cleansing. The methods, styles and cleaning accessories used have varied according
to the location. Bathing is a part of the Sunnah of the Islamic prophet Muhammad,and a part of the Islamic Shari`ah. The body
is fully covered with a cloth and washed in this manner.
Islamic Funerals: Enshrouding the Body
The body of the deceased is wrapped in a plain and simple cloth called a "kafan". The process is known as "takfeen". This
process is performed to respectfully conceal the private parts of the deceased. The style of wrapping, as well as the
material and color of the cloth may vary, but generally, a white cotton cloth is used to dress the deceased. In some
instances, a little perfume may be applied to the cloth.
Islamic Funerals: Funeral Prayers
Muslims of the community gather to offer collective prayers for the forgiveness of the dead. This prayer is often referred
to as The Janazah prayer. The Janazah prayer is offered in a particular way. Like Eid prayer, this prayer is also prayed
with extra (four) Takbirs, but there is no Ruku' (bowing) and Sujud (prostrating). Supplication for the deceased and mankind
is recited. In extraordinary circumstances, the prayer could be postponed to a later time.
Islamic Funerals: The Burial
After prayer, the body of the deceased is taken to the burial (al-Dafin) site. While there may be variations amongst the
site and graves, the Islamic directive is restricted to a respectful burial in the ground, with the grave being aligned
perpendicular to the Qiblah (i.e. towards Mecca) and it being raised no higher than 12" above ground level. The body is
placed directly into the ground, without a casket. Graves markers for Muslims are kept very simplistic and lavish displays are
discouraged. Some graves may either remain unmarked or contain a wreath. However, it is becoming more common for family
members to erect grave monuments for Islamic funerals.
Only the men are allowed to attend the graveside burial. The body is laid in a manner that allows the
head to face Qiblah (Mecca). Each attendee will take a turn in pouring three handfuls of soil into the grave
while reciting "We created you from it, and return you into it, and from it we will raise you a second time", Surah 20:55.
After this, more prayers will follow asking for forgiveness of the deceased, and reminding the dead of his or her profession
of faith. As a final tribute, the Muslims gather and collectively pray for the forgiveness of the dead. This
collective prayer is the last formal collective prayer of the Islamic funeral.
Islamic Funerals: Mourning
Islamic loved ones and relatives of the deceased observe a 3 Day mourning period. Mourning is observed by
increased devotion, receiving visitors and condolences, and avoiding decorative jewelry and clothing. Widows observe an
extended mourning period (Iddah) of 4 months and 10 days, in accordance with the Qur'an 2:234. During this period, she may
not remarry, move from her home, or wear decorative jewelry and clothing.
In Islam, showing grief at a person's death by weeping is acceptable, but to express grief by wailing, shrieking, beating
the chest and cheeks, tearing hair or clothes, breaking objects, scratching faces or performing in any manner that is
perceived to be outlandish is prohibited.
Islamic Funerals: Husbands and Wives
According to the Qur'an, Muslim husbands and widows are expected to do the
following in preparation of or at the moment of death:
Muslim widows are expected to observe a mourning period of 4 months and 10 days after
the burial of their husbands in Islamic funerals:
