Burial rites,
in plain terms.
For families seeking to understand what will happen, and for the wider community seeking to learn. These are the five pillars of Islamic burial — each deserves to be known.
Fuller materials are being prepared with input from local imams and will be published here shortly.
كُلُّ نَفْسٍ ذَائِقَةُ الْمَوْتِ
“Every soul shall taste death.”
Quran 3:185
The ritual washing.
The ghusl is the prescribed washing of the deceased, performed by people of the same gender, in a manner taught by the Prophet ﷺ. It is among the most consequential acts a Muslim can perform for another — an act of honour, intimacy, and care.
In preparationThe shroud.
The kafan is a simple white shroud — three pieces for men, five for women — wrapped around the deceased after ghusl. Its simplicity is the point: in death, every Muslim stands equal. No name. No rank. The same cloth.
In preparationThe funeral prayer.
The janazah is a short, standing prayer — no ruku, no sujud. It is fard kifayah: a communal obligation, such that if some perform it, the duty is lifted from all. It is the final salaah a Muslim's body is the focus of in this world.
In preparationBurial.
Burial is direct interment in earth, the body laid on its right side facing the qibla, without a coffin where regulation permits. It is to be performed as soon as practicable — ideally within twenty-four hours of death.
In preparationMourning.
Islamic tradition permits three days of mourning for any Muslim — a longer period for a widow. Tears are permitted; loud and sustained lamentation is discouraged. The grief of loss is acknowledged, held, and given its proper time.
In preparationQuestions about the rites?
Our volunteers are knowledgeable and available. Reach us by phone or email — we are glad to help the community understand.
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