Muslim
Funeral

If you’re unfamiliar with a Muslim funeral plan, you may be surprised by how soon after death the preparations begin. That’s because Sharia, Islamic law, provides that funeral preparations are to begin as soon after the passing of the deceased as possible.

Muslim funeral services can be carried out at any burial site which can suitably accommodate the positioning of the burial, but the service will begin at a mosque. Here, mourners gather to recite Ṣalāt al-Janāzah. This is an Islamic funeral prayer that is performed as a congregation, and asks for pardon for both the deceased and all Muslims who have died.

The congregation separate themselves into an odd number of at least three rows and recite the prayer whilst facing Mecca, the holiest of Muslim cities and a focal point for many aspects of a Muslim funeral, and indeed Muslim life. The body of the deceased will also face Mecca.

There are also prayers and readings from the Qur’an, the Islamic holy book. After the prayers, the body is moved to the burial site and lain to rest in a position perpendicular to Mecca. A final prayer is said as the body is lowered, with mourners each depositing handfuls of earth into the grave.

The service will be lead by an Imam, an Islamic community and holy leader, who will direct the proceedings and guide those who are unfamiliar.

Muslim funerals will always be a burial, as cremation is prohibited due to beliefs surrounding desecration of the body.