Muslim Funerals

This guide will explain what happens at Muslim funeral services and what to expect at an Islamic burial.

Islamic beliefs about death

A Muslim funeral is known as a “Janazah” and is typically conducted within 24 hours of the deceased’s passing. If the death occurs unexpectedly, exceptions may be given.

Muslims commonly believe that the present life is a trial in preparation for the eternal life to come. According to the Quran, Muslims will only be allowed entry into Paradise, a form of heaven, if their good deeds in life outweigh the bad. 

Muslim funeral rituals

Muslim funeral rituals are present throughout the burial process, from death to mourning. Usually these are consistent for the majority of Muslim funerals but may vary slightly due to family wishes and circumstance. These include the preparation of the body, funeral prayers and the post funeral reception.

What happens before a Muslim funeral service?

According to Islamic law, the deceased should be buried as soon as possible.

Prior to a Muslim funeral, the body of the deceased must be washed (Ghusl) three times and shrouded (Kafan). Same-sex family members usually give Ghusl. However, some Muslim communities will allow the husband or wife of the deceased to take part in the preparations.

Once cleaned and prepared, the deceased is covered in a white sheet and is laid upon three large white sheets of material.

Before being transported to the mosque, the deceased is wrapped in the sheets and secured with ropes; one tied above the head, two tied around the body, and one tied below the feet. There is no viewing of the body before the funeral service.

How long is does a Muslim funeral service last?

Due to the necessity of a quick burial, the lead up to a Muslim funeral is short. The ceremony itself will last from half an hour to an hour, consisting of prayers, chants and Muslim funeral rituals.

What to wear to a Muslim funeral service?

The Muslim funeral dress code should be modest for both men and women. Men should wear a shirt and trousers, while women should wear a headscarf, an ankle-length skirt and a long-sleeved shirt. Clean socks must be worn due to shoes being removed before the prayers.

What happens at a Muslim funeral service?

What happens at a Muslim funeral service is usually ruled by traditions of the Islamic faith. Family and friends of the deceased will gather in the prayer room, study room or courtyard of the mosque to perform Salat al-Janazah (funeral prayers). Every male must participate in the Salat-al-Janazah, but women may only participate if they are willing to do so. The final prayer is offered from the family and community to ask for forgiveness of the deceased.

The funeral service is led by an Imam (Islamic leader) and includes readings from the Quran. If you are of a different faith, you are encouraged to quietly listen to the readings and prayers.

What happens at a Muslim burial?

Following on from a Muslim funeral service, the deceased is taken to the cemetery for burial. Traditionally, only men are allowed to attend the burial, though some Muslim communities may allow women to attend.

The grave should be at right angles to the direction of Mecca, with the deceased placed on their right side facing the Islamic holy city. Wood and stones should be placed on top of the body to prevent direct contact between the person and the soil. All mourners will pour handfuls of earth on top of the grave, before it is filled in.

Due to religious beliefs, cremation is prohibited for Muslims.

What happens after a Muslim funeral service?

Like the ceremony itself, what happens after a Muslim funeral service is dictated by the Islamic faith, and the family's wishes. After a Muslim funeral service and burial, family will typically gather in their home and receive guests. During the first three days of mourning, the community usually provides food for the family. Mourning typically lasts for 40 days but can vary depending on the family.

A Muslim widow is allowed 4 months and 10 days of mourning, during which she is not permitted to re-marry or interact with other men. This tradition is to rule out whether she is pregnant, as well as give her time to come to terms with the loss.

Other Muslim funeral traditions

Some other Muslim funeral service traditions may include the following:

• Attendance from the entire community
• No photography or video recordings
• No loud emotional expressions or sacrilegious speeches

Source: Muslim Burial Council