Muslim Funeral Guide | Gardens of Serenity

Muslim Burials

Understanding Islamic Burial Traditions

For followers of Islam, as with many other faiths, death is the end of life on this earth and the beginning of a life hereafter. For Muslims, "Death is not final, but a temporary separation from the beloved person, who will be brought back to life on the Day of Judgement and, if God wills, be reunited with his family once more."

The body must be ceremonially washed before burial. The funeral prayer Salat Al-Janazah is said either at the mosque or at the graveside. The body is then wrapped in one or two sheets of white cloth and laid in the grave.

The finished grave must be raised from the ground between four and twelve inches, to prevent anyone walking or sitting on it, as this is strictly forbidden. There must be only one body in the grave and a simple headstone.

The Process

What Happens When Someone Passes Away

Near Death

Those around the dying person are called upon to give comfort and reminders of God's mercy and forgiveness. They are encouraged to recite verses from the Holy Qur'an. It is recommended for a Muslim's last words to be the declaration of faith: "I bear witness that there is no god but Allah."

Upon Death

Those with the deceased are encouraged to remain calm, pray for the departed, and begin preparations for burial. Grief is natural and it is permitted to cry. One should strive to be patient and to remember that God is the One who gives life and takes it away.

Ghusal (Washing)

The body is ceremonially washed — a sacred duty performed with the utmost respect and dignity. This is performed by selected relatives and community members due to the intimacy involved.

Kafan (Shrouding)

The body is wrapped in simple white sheets of cloth. This symbolises equality before God — in death, all are the same regardless of wealth or status.

Salat Al-Janazah (Funeral Prayer)

The funeral prayer is performed by the Muslim community. The congregation lines up in rows behind the coffin. This prayer is performed for the deceased, not to the deceased. Observers of other faiths are welcome.

Burial

The coffin is carried to the graveside, passed from shoulder to shoulder. It is lowered by members of the family, and the gravesite is filled. The Imam says final prayers at the graveside. Muslims strive to bury within 24 hours of death.

Practical Steps

If Someone Passes Away at Home

1 Contact the family General Practitioner
2 Contact relatives and immediate family
3 Contact the police if the death was unexpected or violent
4 Contact the local mosque for guidance
5 Contact a Muslim funeral director (Gardens of Serenity)
6 Register the death at a local Registrar's office
7 Find out if there is a will

In Hospital

If Someone Passes Away in Hospital

1 Identify the body if required
2 Consider authorising a post-mortem if requested
3 Collect personal possessions with documentation
4 Inform staff of organ donation wishes
5 Contact Gardens of Serenity and your local mosque
6 Get a medical certificate / cause of death
7 Register the death at a local Registrar's office

Reverts to Islam

Guidance for Muslim Reverts

The Statutory Declaration has been introduced to prevent disputes over burial. A revert can fill in the Declaration, which states that the body should be treated according to Islamic requirements, and lodge it with a solicitor or local mosque.

The Declaration covers the avoidance of cremation, proper ghusl before burial, Janazah prayer, and burial in a Muslim cemetery. You may also include a clause regarding autopsies.

Attending the Janazah prayer and burial is Fard Kifayah — a communal obligation. If performed by some, it absolves the rest; if neglected by all, the entire community is accountable.

Common Questions

Frequently Asked Questions

Can the body be taken abroad for burial?

Taking bodies abroad is discouraged because embalming is required for preservation. The embalming process involves removing blood and replacing it with chemical fluid (containing alcohol), which is considered tantamount to desecration and is not permissible in Islam.

How quickly should a Muslim be buried?

Muslims strive to bury the deceased as soon as possible — it is not unusual for burial to take place within 24 hours of death. Gardens of Serenity works to facilitate same-day arrangements wherever possible.

Can non-Muslims attend a Muslim funeral?

Yes, observers are welcome at the funeral. Modest dress is required — shirts and trousers for men; ankle-length skirts with long sleeves and a headscarf for women. Shoes are removed before entering the prayer hall.

What is the role of the Procurator Fiscal?

In Scotland, the Procurator Fiscal investigates all sudden, suspicious, accidental, unexpected and unexplained deaths. In most cases, early enquiries rule out suspicious circumstances and confirm natural causes. Anyone can report concerns about a death.

Is a coffin required?

It is not traditional to use a coffin in Islamic burial, though some people now do so. In Scotland, local authority regulations may require a coffin. Gardens of Serenity will advise on the requirements for your specific situation.

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A Guide to Islamic Funerals