Muslim Funeral

Death is a difficult time for anyone. It can be made more difficult when mourners don’t understand what is happening. This can be particularly the case, when the deceased has a faith that is different. Here we will try and explain the rites and customs involved in a Muslim funeral, and dispel some common myths that might make a Muslim funeral seem foreign. Each sect of Islam (Sunni, Shiite etc.) may have specific traditions, so if you have the opportunity it would be important to consult with the spiritual advisors of the dying person to be sure that the customs are observed properly.

The funeral process begins when the person is near death. His family and friends (of the Islamic faith) pray quietly at his bedside for his forgiveness and for Allah to favor him. During this time they will also encourage the dying person to reaffirm their faith in Allah. This is done very gently, as the friends and family are often aware that these could be the last words of the dying. There have been some misconceptions around this time in the death process. It is not customary to place the Quran under the head of the dying man, nor is it customary to bring perfumed oils and flowers into the room where the person is dying. There is also no rule that says those who are unclean (who haven’t performed Wudu) are to be kept from the room. Muslims believe that it is more important for the friends and family to be with the dying and encourage him in prayer.

Upon death, those with the deceased are encouraged to remain calm, pray for the departed, and begin preparations for burial. Once death occurs, the eyes of the dead are then closed, the jaw is tied closed and the body is temporarily covered with a clean, plain white sheet. It is forbidden for those in mourning to excessively wail, scream, or thrash about. Grief is normal when one has lost a loved one, and it is natural and permitted to cry.

Ritual prayers are performed and there is a ritual bathing of the body. This is done by every man or woman of faith depending on the sex of the deceased, men bathe men and women bathe women. The genitals are to be kept covered at all times. This is called Ghusl and is required under Islamic law. The body is then enshrouded with a plain with cotton or linen cloth (kafan). Muslims believe that these items should be simple, to show humility and modesty. It is acceptable for the cloth to treat with perfume oils. Muslims believe that it is essential to bury the dead as soon as possible after death, usually within 24 hours. Because of this, Muslims are not embalmed. If the deceased passes at night, then there is to be constant light in the room, so that the corpse is not in the dark before ascending into heaven. It is a common misconception that autopsies are not allowed to be performed on Muslims. In truth, autopsies are allowed, if the death was suspicious, or if the results could benefit the family or others in the community at large. Some sects of Islam do frown on autopsies so it’s important to consult the spiritual advisor of the deceased. Some believe that an autopsy will prevent the corpse from being buried as soon as possible and therefore leaving the deceased trapped in their body.

It is customary for all the men to perform the required prayers. During funeral prayers, there is none of the bowing that normally occurs during Muslim prayer. The men pray for the forgiveness of the sins of the dead and for his entry into heaven. There are also four extra takbirs in the prayers, as in the Eid prayer.

The deceased is then taken for burial. Women are typically not allowed to join the funeral procession, as it is believed that there delicate and emotional nature would cause them to make a scene in front of other men and that is not allowed in Islam. Women are permitted to cry during funerals, as long as they are quiet and dignified, so as not to disgrace Allah.

The grave is usually simple and must be raised at least 12 inches above the ground. Because of this burial sites are usually mounds of earth or in some places they are actually tombs above ground. They will vary based on location and the particular sect of Islam. The deceased is buried with his head in the direction of the Kabaa, in Mecca, Saudi Arabia. The body is placed directly in the grave, with no casket. The men at the site are required to throw 3 handfuls of dirt onto the body, reciting “We created you from it, and return you into it, and from it we will raise you a second time”. The body is then buried and the grave is either left unmarked or is adorned simply with a plain grave marker or wreath. Anything lavish is against Islamic law. After the burial, often a reception is held in the honor of the deceased.

After the funeral, family and friends observe a 3 day morning period. During this time, it is acceptable to receive condolence visitors, but one must wear plain dark clothing and spend extra time in prayer. There are extra rules in the case of the deceased’s wife. Wives are required to observe a mourning period of 4 lunar months and 10 days before entering into a new engagement for marriage. This is to ensure that the woman doesn’t face censure from society for remarrying too soon, and to ensure that she is not pregnant. It is also required that husband’s provide for one year of a wife’s support prior to his death. This is usually the reason for a dowry. In the event of the husband’s death, the wife would be able to maintain a home and provide food for herself and her children. She is also required to wear black always. After the customary 4 month and 10 day period, the wife is free to move to a new home if she chooses to, engage in a new relationship and wear whatever clothing she would like.

We hope that this information has been helpful to you in understanding the rites and traditions of a Muslim funeral. If you have further questions or comments, please contact us.

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