Burials And Funeral Directors From Around The World - Bereavement In Islam

Islam teaches that death is simply a doorway into the third stage of someone's life and that when they are dying, their soul (ruh) rises in their body and collects in their throat. An angel called Malikul Mawt (Angel of Death) then arrives to remove the soul.

When it becomes known that a Muslim is dying, family members can often be found at his or her side, helping their dying relative to think about their transgressions and praying for Allah's forgiveness and mercy. However, time is of the essence, as Islam teaches that Allah does not accept repentance evoked by last minute panic or regret.

The preparation and burial of a deceased Muslim then takes place according to Islamic law and custom, with both the deceased's family and wider Muslim community actively involved.

Upon death, those present normally close the eyes of the deceased, bind the lower jaw to the head and cover the body with a clean sheet. The family then wash the body in accordance with Islamic rites and, unless a spouse is present, males must wash males and females must wash females. This usually takes place privately three or five times using water, soap and a cloth and, after washing, the body is shrouded with white material. Embalming is prohibited, as is an autopsy, unless required by law.

The local community joins the deceased's family for funeral prayers (Salat-ul-Janazah), a collective obligation for Muslims, and people line up in rows, with the coffin on a stand in front of them. Often taking place outside the Mosque, at certain times of the day according to the sun's progression, the purpose of the funeral prayers is to request pardons for all deceased Muslims. The most closely related male leads these silent prayers, though the Imam, or another knowledgeable Muslim, may do so if necessary.

According to Islamic Law, the burial should take place within three days of death and the earlier the better. Only men attend Muslim burials (cremation is prohibited, even if requested) and the deceased's body is carried at shoulder level in a procession to the graveyard. Wooden coffins are permitted, but steel ones are considered unacceptable. It is considered preferable to have no container at all, as this is believed to allow the earth to reclaim the physical body as quickly as possible.

Again, only Muslim men are allowed to lay the deceased's body in the grave. If the deceased is female, this male should be a relative. As the body is laid to rest in the grave, verses of the Qur'an are read.

It is then customary for people to visit the deceased's family for several days after the funeral, bringing gifts of food.

About the Author:
With origins dating back to 1853, E.F. Box are one of the oldest funeral directors within the UK. They offer a range of funeral services across a variety of faiths, beliefs and ways of celebrating life.

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