What happens at a Muslim funeral?

As Islamic funeral is a spiritual occasion, that adheres to a strict set of rites. This guide will explain what to expect during an Islamic funeral.

Islamic beliefs about death

The Islamic faith have a very strong belief in the afterlife. It follows the principle that the way a person acts during life will determine what happens to them when they die. If a Muslim has performed good deeds and followed the religious codes, they will be rewarded with entry to Paradise on the Day of Judgement. The Day of Judgement, is when Muslims believe that the world will end and the dead will experience eternal peace.

The funerals in Islam are spiritual event and are central to the Muslim community. They are known as a 'Janazah' and will usually be conducted within 24 hours of the death.

How do you organise a Muslim funeral?

Islamic law ("sharia") determines that the funeral arrangements should start immediately once a person has died.

The family members in charge of the funeral will contact their local mosque for assistance, in order to find a suitable funeral director who may have experience with arranging Muslim funerals.

There will be no visitation of the deceased at this time, and mourners are expected to attend the prayer room within the mosque to offer religious prayers for the person that has died.

As the Islamic faith believes in the physical resurrection of the body after death, cremation is prohibited. In addition, it is normally forbidden for a post mortem to take place however organ donation is accepted as it helps save lives.

Preparing the body for a Muslim funeral

Following the last breath of the person that has died, their eyes and mouth are closed. The body is covered with a white sheet.

The body would then be washed three times by close family members of the same sex, which is known as Ghusl. The body is positioned with the left hand on the chest and the right hand on top, before being shrouded with three large white sheets and then tied with ropes (Kafan).

The Muslim Funeral

Islamic funerals are usually led by the Imam, and will include funeral prayers and readings from the Quran. On average, an Islamic funeral will last between 30-60 minutes.

The mourners will congregate at the mosque. They will recite an Islamic funeral prayer, known as Ṣalāt al-Janāzah, which seeks pardon for the deceased. Everyone faces Mecca and forms at least three rows.

Once the prayers are complete, the body is transferred to the site for burial. All Muslim graves should be perpendicular to Mecca. The body of the person that has died positioned so their right side faces Mecca.

As the body is lowered into the grave, a prayer is said. Wood or stones are laid to prevent the body laying on the dirt. Three handfuls of soil are placed into the grave by each mourner.

Decorative or large headstones are not usually customary, however a small marker can be left to identify their final resting place.

What clothing is worn at a Muslim funeral?

Anyone attending the funeral is expected to dress modestly. Shoes must be removed when entering the mosque.

What happens once the Muslim funeral has taken place?

The period of mourning tends to last about 40 days but will vary on the family. Traditionally, it is said that the mourning period for a widow is 4 months and 10 days. During the mourning period, the widow must wear black, remain in their husband's home and are forbidden from speaking to other men.