The Islamic faith have a unique set of beliefs towards death and dying. This can be seen in their practices and attitudes towards funerals.
This article will talk about some of these Muslim funeral traditions.
We first discuss what happens before and at the time of death.
Later we’ll cover what a typical ceremony is like, their rites and rituals, along with funeral prayers.
Finally we’ll talk about funeral attire, burial practices, and whether cremation is permitted.
Muslim Funeral
Muslim Daily Prayer
The whole community participates in a Muslim funeral. It’s not unusual for someone to attend the funeral of someone they don’t know well.
It’s comprised of prayers, rituals, and rites. Prayers are recited outside the mosque, normally in the courtyard.
What Muslims do when someone dies?
When a Muslim’s death is imminent, the whole family and closest friends are there. They believe that the dying see things that the living cannot.
Death struggle
They go through an agonizing period called a death struggle, which is filled with unimaginable agonies.
Friends and family gather around and offer the dying person courage, to help them endure the agonies.
They chant and encourage the dying person to say “Shahada” meaning that Allah is the only God.
The goal is that the person says those words at the exact time of death.
Just after the death
The eyes and mouth of the deceased are closed, the body is covered with a sheet. Their head is positioned to face Mecca.
Family and friends ask Allah to forgive the sins of the departed, which is referred to as “dua”.
Holy Site of Mecca
Preparing the body
It’s crucial that the body is completely clean. It must be cleansed at least three times, either by the spouse or a same sex family member.
If it’s still not clean after three times, it is washed as many times as necessary. However, it must be an odd number of times.
Cleansing order
There is a particular order in which the body is cleansed. It begins with the upper right side, then the upper left side, lower right side, and ending with the lower left side
A woman’s hair is cleansed and put into three braids.
Shrouding the body
Body Wrapped in Shroud
Shrouding is completed using three white sheets. They are first spread out and stacked one upon the other. Then the body is placed on top of them.
The left hand of the deceased is placed on the chest. The right hand is then placed on top of the left.
The sheets are brought over the body one at a time. First the right side, then the left, until they are all wrapped around the body.
A rope is tied at the top of the head and another below the feet. One or two ropes are tied around the middle of the body.
What is a Muslim funeral like?
Bodies are Placed in Front of Iman
Men and women typically sit separately. Traditionally the women sit at the back.
An Imam (Islamic priest) or the oldest male family member stands at the front facing Mecca, and the body is placed in front of him.
With his back to the mourners, he presents the funeral prayer.
Silent funeral
A Muslim funeral is very quiet. There should be no talking to one another. Even the prayers are mainly said silently with only parts of them spoken aloud.
It would be unusual for music to be played.
Crying for the dead is perfectly fine and expected. However, loud weeping and wailing is not looked upon well.
After the prayers, the deceased is taken to the burial location, usually carried by male family members.
What do Muslims wear to funerals?
Muslims generally wear white. They believe that white is associated with humility and wholesomeness.
However, it’s also appropriate to wear drab and dark colors that fit the somber occasion, such as black, brown, and gray.
Men’s attire
Men should wear plain pants that do not show any skin. The shirt covers everything up to the neck. Nothing should fit tightly.
Women’s attire
Proper Funeral Attire for Muslim Women
A woman’s clothing should cover everything but their face and hands.
Skirts should go down to the ankles and long sleeve blouses should cover the arms and preferably come up to the neck.
Using makeup
It’s best not to use makeup at all. If you must, then do not wear anything that makes you stand out such as bright lipstick.
It’s a good idea to bring a headscarf to cover your hair and neck.
If in doubt, call ahead and ask about the appropriate attire.
Non-Muslim
When attending a Muslim funeral, the main thing to keep in mind is dress modestly. Wear clothing that will make you blend in and do not draw attention to you.
Stay away from bright colors or flashy jewelry. Be prepared to take off your shoes.
How long is the funeral?
The actual funeral service is typically brief. It’s mainly comprised of saying the funeral prayers. There is no eulogy.
This part of the service will likely last less than an hour.
However, they believe the funeral begins before the person dies and ends after the burial.
Funeral Prayers
Iman Offering Funeral Prayer
Family and friends usually say the funeral prayer to themselves, lead by the Iman. They form three or more lines.
The first in line is the most closely related male, who is followed by the other men.
Iman Prayers
After that, follows the children and then the women. The Iman, who delivers the prayer, faces toward Mecca, with his back to the others and the body is placed in front of him.
Muslims are required to say at least five prayers daily. It is basically those five prayers that are said at the funeral, with a few differences.
They stand during the prayer at a funeral, not bowing as with daily prayer. Most of the words are spoken silently, except for a few portions.
Muslim Funeral Flowers
Muslim Funeral Flowers
Views of proper etiquette for sending of flowers to the family can vary between the different Muslim sects.
Simplicity and moderation are emphasized in the Islam religion, therefore gifts of flowers are frequently not given.
In most cases, they prefer that you donate to a charity in the name of the deceased.
Immediate family normally orders the flowers. They are placed close-by or inside to the casket.
The best approach is to either contact a local Muslim authority or ask the family what they prefer.
Muslim Burial Practices
Islamic Cemetery Modest Markers
Muslims believe that at death, they are buried and remain in their grave until the day of judgement.
Good Muslims will go to paradise and experience peace. Those who have led a sinful life are destined for hell, and will begin their suffering.
Islamic Burial Requirements
Preparations for the funeral should begin immediately, because the deceased must be buried as soon as possible.
It’s typically no longer than two days, but is frequently within one day.
For that reason, there is also no preliminary viewing, ceremony, or eulogy. Embalming is not performed and there is no autopsy, unless required by law.
Also, transporting the body to another country is rare. They are typically buried in the place where they die.
The Burial Procedure
Family Places Body in Grave
After the funeral, the casket is taken to the burial site by four family men. The grave is dug parallel to Mecca. The body is placed lying on their right side, also toward Mecca.
In some areas, everyone can be present at the burial. However, traditionally women are not allowed to attend.
The mourners who are present throw three handfuls of dirt onto the casket.
They say, “We created you from it, and return you into it, and from it we raise you a second time.”
At that time, family members lower the casket and the grave is filled. A small, modest marker is allowed.
Muslim Burial at Sea
In most cases, a burial at sea is not permitted except under extraordinary circumstances.
For instance, if the person dies while at sea and the body cannot be transported back to land due to a long distance.
Muslims typically should be buried in the ground.
Can Muslims Be Cremated?
Cremation is forbidden in the Islamic religion. It is considered disrespectful to the dead. A Muslim should not burn anyone, witness a cremation, or approve of it in any way.
The only exception is if the person died due to a contagious disease.
Even then, the potential for the disease to spread must be proven and permission received from the authorities.
Haram in Islam
Haram is anything that is expressly forbidden by the Islamic religion. It is the highest form of prohibition.
There is a long list of actions that are considered haram, including the practice of cremation. Other examples are:
- Toys that resemble anything living
- Drawings or art that resembles humans
- Dancing
- Having any animal other than a cat
- A woman talking louder than a man
- A woman arguing with her husband
When pertaining to funerals, it is considered haram for a Muslim to attend a non-Muslim person’s funeral.
On the other hand, some make an exception if there is a personal connection, such as a co-worker or a non-Muslim relative.
Mourning Period & Grieving Process
Muslim Period of Mourning
The mourning period begins from the time of death. The time period varies depending on a person’s relationship to the departed.
Widow
Four months and 10 days is the mourning period for the widow.
During that time, she is not to move from the house shared with her husband. In addition, she must wear modest clothing and no jewelry.
She is not allowed to remarry another man.
Widower
The period of mourning is only three days and he can plan to remarry during that time.
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Family
The mourning period is also three days. They share and express emotions for the departed while they prepare for the funeral and welcome visitors into the home.
Distant relatives bring prepared meals to the immediate family.
Islamic Funeral Homes
It’s not typical for a Muslim family to use a funeral home in their homeland. However, for Muslims living in western countries such as the US, it is sometimes necessary.
More Islamic funeral homes and cemeteries are opening, which have been difficult to find in many areas. Finding an Iman has proven to be hard as well.
These funeral homes understand the need for a quick burial, without embalming. They are also culturally sensitive to Islamic customs and beliefs.
Most Muslim funeral homes wash the body and wrap it in a shroud. They transport the body to the place where the funeral will take place and then to the burial site.
A widow in Islam is allowed to remarry a Muslim man after her mourning period, as well as she is free to move and live on her own, or go back to her parents home.
Why are Muslims buried on their right side?
The right hand side is often considered preferable to the left in Islam. This comes from the rule that, after using the toilet, Muslims should clean themselves with their left hand, so the right is generally considered cleaner than the left.
Muslims are buried on their right side to facilitate the body facing Mecca as they would have done in prayer.
After the period of mourning, the widow can remarry.
Yes if she choose to.
The Christian funeral is just so much better than it is in Islam. We give thanks to God for the life given, and the service also includes a eulogy of remembrance. Also, unlike Islam, women can attend funerals too, it isn’t all about the men, which is the focus of all sharia law, that is, what benefits men, minus the women. Islam is just too archaic to be of benefit to anyone, since it lacks the core truth that Jesus is God.
In Islam women are allowed to funerals I don’t just read one thing and believe what you read it’s the internet. Research look into Islam more it’s very powerful and peaceful religion there’s even an amazing Ted talk of a woman explaining her relationship with Allah. Also they do celebrate death its seen as release from earthly existence and beginning of their journey onwards. I hope you know that any Muslim can tell you it’s all about culture upbringing. Not all muslims agree with the sharia law it’s just the law in that area and as any western Muslim can tell you that in the Quran to respect all laws set forth by where you are brought up with. One more thing to add is jesus peace be upon him is a prophet of god sent to earth to guide us.
I totally agree with Amy. Also everything written is NOT true up here. Haraam section is totally screwed up! Muslims differ in each region and so traditions, culture and customs are not the same. I see some ignorant comments, a sign of not understanding or knowing of the religion. Indeed Jesus (peace be on him) was one of the prophet of God sent to guide human kind on this earth. If he is God to Christianity then so be it. He never said himself that he is the God or son of the God, Christians believe it that way, that is why they are Christians.
Mathew 27:43, while Jesus hangs on the cross, the Jewish leaders mock him to ask God for help, for he said “I am the son of God”
Muslims don’t believe in Mathew 27:43, there’s no use in trying to persuade us by using something we don’t believe. And Jesus peace be upon him is a prophet sent be god.
HE, Jesus absolutely claimed diety, many times. Talk about doing your due diligence, maybe you do some reading of your own.
Yes..we Christians do believe it that way. I also believe with all my heart and spirit and soul that if you do not turn to Jesus Christ as the Messiah, GOD become flesh to take on the worlds sins so that we ALL can go boldly to the throne of God, you, loved child of God, will not spend eternity in Heaven. So please, before you say things like “Jesus never claimed to be the Son of God, God Himself” do your research. Don’t just rely on what you THINK you know. As HE ascended to His Father, He left us all with His words, My Peace I Leave With You. ~ May the Lord open your eyes and your heart.
In John 8:24 Jesus states: “For unless you believe that I am, you will die in your sins”, and later the crowd attempts to stone Jesus in response to his statement in John 8:58: “Before Abraham was, I am”. Many other translations, including the American Standard Version, have rendered John 8:24 as something like “… “Jesus said I am”. God told Moses at the burning bush to tell the Israelites who he was. “IAm, IAm. Jesus is God. Peace
I love your reply Amy
It’s better not to compare, I think Islamic funeral are better if I’m to compare. We don’t embalm our dead by keeping them in freezer or with chemicals. So keep your thoughts to yourself. Allah is Lord and Jesus is his prophet.
I’m catholic and respect the word of allah but should respect for our dead not be just that respectful
Christianity is not about being negative or Mary to people of other religions. When did this start? Go read about Jesus. Act like you are Christian not an infidel.
The message behind your words isn’t very Christian.
This is not the way to lead people to Jesus!
Jesus is not God and neither did he ever mention he’s God your seriously deluded, plus women shouldn’t attend funerals because they are emotionally weaker and it would affect them more to see a loved one being lowered into the ground hence why they are left at home and men are left to worry about all formalities. I being a Muslim female convert myself know how much respect Islam gives and unfortunately Christianity can never match up to the honour and respect a woman truly deserves.
Women are not weak . That is absolutely ridiculous.
I would humbly remind the brother the verses from Mathew, Chapter 7, verses 1 thru 5, which in sum and substance tells you not to be judgmental. You are asked to look inwards before you find fault with others. Having said that I would ask you reflect on and contemplate the following:
How Jesus, the son of Mary is viewed by the three Abrahamic faiths.
1) Jews perceive him as a false prophet, an imposter.
2) Christians view him as son of god, Lord and Savior.
3) Muslim see him as a noble messenger and prophet of god.
Finally, nowhere in the Bible does Jesus (peace be upon him) explicitly state that he is the son of god and his followers should worship him. May the Almighty guide us all to the truth.
You clearly have not read the Bible. John 14:11 – Jesus said “I am in the Father and the Father is in Me”. Or how about John 20:28 where the disciple Thomas worships him calling Jesus “My Lord and My God”. So if Jesus was not God, he would have rebuked Thomas and corrected him, but he did not. I can give many other examples.
Jesus also implied he was God, for example in Matthew 9 Jesus said to the paralysed man “your sins are forgiven” and healed him. So on two counts, only God has the power to forgive sins, only God has the power to miraculously heal people. Some of the teachers of the law were there and were about to accuse him of the basphemy of claiming to be God. Read it for yourself.
In conclusion, either Jesus was God, a mad man, or a liar. He is not “just a prophet”. How you, myself and everyone decides who Jesus is determines our eternity.
These are your opinion, and you surely have that right, myself I converted to Islam after studying and not just reading the bible, I found Islam through studying my bible
I highly suggest you have a read on Christianity, the Bible has thousands of changes in it. The original Bible is lost, the Bible you read now has been edited. There are videos with evidence proving the changes that were made over years, with words being scribbled on and edited on the side. The abrahamic religions all believe in one God/Allah. Christians believe Jesus is son, Muslims and Jews don’t however we all believe in the same God.
The God of the Bible and the god of Islam is not the same. Please read the Bible, particularly the Gospel of John. In Islam , Allah is unknowable. My Savior, Jesus Christ reveals himself thru his inspired word, the Bible.
Much of Jesus’ story is in the Gospels.
We have different rules none are better they are the ways they are who are u to decide which is better? Disgusting.
didn’t know where were competing on who has better funerals. DEATH IS DEATH.
Amen u so right!
In Islam, Jesus is revered, however he is not the same as G-d. That is considered idolatry, as in Judaism. I don’t think any of us can say that one religion is superior to another. G-d’à wisdom is to give us many paths. The important part is the belief in G-d.
For you is your religion and for me is mine. Islam is the final religion given to man. This is because the people kept straying from the truth and guidance sent down from Allah. In the Quran you will find that Ibrahim (AS) an Isa (AS) are also our prophets. They were humans (not Gods) sent by Allah to guide us to good and to let us know what we need to do in this world to reach our final destination in the hereafter. The reason humans and not gods were sent to guide us was because we can relate. A human can not live up to the powers a god possesses. Jesus is not God and nowhere does he or his desciples state this. He performed miracles through God. Islam gives women many rights which even in the current modern feminist society is denied to women who are quite often used and abused. Knowledge is key. Educate yourself and you will find the truth In Shaa Allah.
Let me help u. Go to YouTube and watch( Christian prince) and thank me later.
Well said. Islaam is for the thinking man. We should never argue or reason with ignorance. For those whose heart and minds are open, Allaah will guide them to the truth. For those who believe in the edited words of their Bible we hope and pray they are shown the light before it’s too late. Intelligence is researching and then embracing your belief . I say Alhamdulilaah that I was guided to the Truth. Islaam. Blessed are those who Allaah Guides. Only Allaah can guide. We as mankind just introduce the faith. ONLY ALLAAH CHOOSES WHO HE WISHES TO FORGIVE AND WHO HE WISHES TO PRAY TO HIM. Remember those who deny the Truth will soon know when their souls are taken and they enter the grave. If the grave accepts them. We are honoured to know what will happen when we enter the grave. All Praises to Allaah, The One and Only, he has no Son and Nothing is Comparable unto him, The Lord of the World. Thee alone we Worship and thee along we ask for help. Aameen
I respect your right to have a opinion, being of the Christian faith myself we were taught acceptance of others beliefs and traditions as long as their not harmful to others, let us not be disrespectful of others ways and beliefs instead let us live together in peace and mutual respect
Closed mine closed heart … All people have a right to worship as they believe…
Many Christians believe Jesus is the son of god and not god. Perhaps get your facts right before criticising another religion.
Well actually, it is widely believed in many Christian denominations that the father, the son and the holy spirit are one and the same thing. Christians praise the mystery of this as well as the fact that Jesus was both fully divine and fully human, thus is the mystery and the basis for faith.
There’s actually a verse in the Bible where Jesus says “I and the Father are one” – thus meaning that Jesus is God. Mainstream Christians also believe that God/the Godhead exists as a Trinity (3 parts) – consisting of God the Father. God the Son (Jesus) & God the Holy Spirit. Thus the Father, the Son & the Holy Spirit are all God.
Perhaps you should revisit your own scriptures and this time pay attention to what they say.
As a Christian do you not see how this is rude and offensive?
Hey hey, I understand you kind of, I’m a Muslim Woman and some Muslims are extremely sexist and lie about the Qur’an, however, in the Qur’an, they are equal about gender and do not discriminate. In fact, in the Qur’an or Hadith, it never said that women aren’t allowed to go to funerals, someone just made that up. And I believe that people can have their own beliefs and thoughts about life, we should respect others opinions instead of arguing. Please do not say things about Islam THE religion, because the problem isn’t the religion, its the sexist people in the religion. Thank you.
DId you just say that the Christian funeral is just so much better than it is in Islam? How disrespectful can you possibly be? I hope that you can pray to your God to be more open minded and accepting of all religions. “My God is better than your God” is how wars break out.
Your comments are stupid, offensive and lacking in any knowledge and replete with arrogance and ignorance.
Does freedom of religion not ring a bell w you? Who is to say which is best? You believe what you want and let others believe what they wish. Love thy neighbor. Judge not lest ye be judged. And so on
Peace.
“Better” Ahhhh. It is tradition. Tradition is comforting no matter whose tradition it is. Narrow mindedness is of no benefit to anyone.
If you really believe in God, won’t say that. Jesus, Mohammad or any other prophets are just messengers from one source that we all name it GOD. No religion is superior, and we do not have 2 GOD.
How narrow minded do you have to be to be stupid enough to write that a Christian funneral is just so much better than an Islamic one. In what way? that Muslims do not give thanks for Life? Tell that to my absolutely devasted friends whose son just died this week. That woman sre not invited? I have been to quite a few Islamic funeral and I am certainly a woman.And may I remind you Jeshua was a nice Jewish boy who was as a Jew,lived as a Jew and never denied his Jewishness. Read some real history and get some education. There is a whole wide world out there that you know nothing about.
Christianity is older than Islam by a out 700+ years. So, perhaps you should not throw words like archaic around in ignorance. Perhaps you should also respect the fact that Islam acknowledges and respects Jesus, referring to him as a prophet. Do you think your comment is in the spirit of Jesus’s teachings?
Please don’t try to hold your religious beliefs over theirs. That makes you and all Christian’s or whatever you are look like trash and shows bad morals. You can believe whatever it is you would like but do not push your beliefs or disregard other’s beliefs because they drifter from your own. In fact I believe that is against not just morally wrong but against your religious teachings as well. I feel like people like you are the reason America is so hated. What was the point of what you even said in your comment other than to be a bigot.
It is the Islamic belief and there is no need to be rude. Also, Jesus is not God.
I don’t want to disrespect anyone Muslim, Christan, or other religions. None of the themes said that there god. Neither Muslim Allah nor Christan Jesus, they said their God. We believe theme as our God. I am a Muslim person I believe Allah is god and all other is IDK. But I believe Allah is God because I learn so many things about him and the things that Propet Mohammed tells us. And IDK a lot about Christianity but I think you guys should believe what you believe and respect each culture, not say my culture better, because none of our God says that. And most important, we don’t know anything about our God. That’s why we are talking so dumb.
According to orthodox Christian beliefs, Jesus is God. There is a verse in the New Testament of the Bible where Jesus says “I and the Father are one” – thus indicating to those present, that he (Jesus) is also God.
All these funeral rites help the family come to terms with the passing of a loved one. These are rites of people. God knows what’s in our hearts. Jesus would be the last person to criticize He was buried in a tomb in a cloth shroud as was the custom. All people are are born into different religions they live their lives the best they can who cares about words and semantics.
God is god, god is love we can’t even imagine the powers and reasoning the death of a child or a tragic death or aging and suffering. We all die and god loves us all we are all imperfect. It’s time to stop arguing over god and who he: she is because it’s beyond our comprehension. No matter what religion you are you still grieve and god is still with you.
Yes – Jesus was buried in a cloth shroud, according the Jewish funeral customs & traditions of the time. Some Jewish funeral customs are similar to those in Islam – such as the washing of the body, wrapping in a shroud, & burying the body as soon as possible after death (preferably within 24 hours, if possible).
100% agree with you.
I am not sure it is BETTER, I think it’s what you are used to. No funeral is better, no shiva is worse, and no wake is more pure than other religions. Death is handled with empathy and kindness. And that sounds like all burial and funeral services. Interpretation and traditions are different in the context of history, culture, and where the religion originated. And MANY religions do not believe in a “God” or Jesus. And that is just fine. It is wrong to think each religion is “better”. That mindset closes you off to be able to understand and appreciate other peoples and their cultures.
The WORST thing you can do is to hold your belief system higher than other religions. It is wrong to do. And before you point fingers, take a breath, and think how YOU would feel if you heard someone saying, “my religion is better, it is the true religion” and speaks disrespectfully about “the Christians”, “the Buddhists”, “the Jews”, “the Taoists”, you would feel bad and feel that it is unfair to judge. So, let’s evolve…
In Islam is not HARAM to own other animals then cat, you can even have a guarding dog is better not to say what you have knowledge about so as not to mislead some people by given misinformation.
I am an atheist. My father is a muslim athiest. My aunt is muslim. Currently she fear he will suffer in hell when he dies and is attempting to change my father’s funeral plans. Casket, nice suit, loved ones and me playing my guitar, singing wonderful world. She wants a muslim funeral. If you love someone, Muslim, Christian, Jewish, whatever, than you shouldn’t force Islamic or Christian traditions and all should respect others final wishes. why do religious people do this? Changing my last moments with my father. Knowing he is “with God” provides me no peace. I will remember his life and know I spent that one precious chance fully loving him without the forced “comfort”. But my mother and sister and I will have no say. And my Muslim family would do what? Will they abandon my mother or try to kill her? I find all religion old and useless but I would respect anyone’s final wishes, whatever sect or religion, can muslims do this? Any advice?
Tee
Firstly, I am so sorry for your loss. You’ve lost your father, and no one can ever replace that. Also, as your father is an atheist, he should be able to have whatever kind of funeral he wishes and planned for. As a muslim myself, I know that your aunt cannot override his plans just because she wants things a certain way just because she is muslim. Ultimately every person is responsible for their own actions and can make their own decisions regarding their death, and as your father is not muslim, his plans for his funeral should be carried out.
I think it depends on which county you live in. In theory, even in most western countries, it is up to the next of kin to make funeral arrangements after the death of a person, & one would hope they would want to comply with the known wishes of the deceased person themselves. But in many countries, the deceased person’s funeral wishes cannot actually be enforced. So in some instances, the next of kin may simply give the deceased the kind of funeral THEY want him/her to have. But in some predominantly Muslim countries, even though a once-Muslim person may now be an ex-Muslim/atheist/apostate – their apostasy is not recognised by the government & Islam, because their religion is recorded as part of a person’s identity in the official records of that country & their apostasy is often not noted in the official records. Also a Muslim is never supposed to give up their faith in Islam. So, when it comes to funerals/burials, the government will only allow them to buried as a Muslim, with Muslim funeral rites etc. I knew an ex-Muslim in predominantly Muslim country, to whom this actually happened when they passed away. They still had to be buried as a Muslim.
I’m looking for some clarity on the non-mixing of men and women at the burial site. I am not very religious at the moment and I have a male friend who speaks Arabic and I would like him to come along and pray. Is this permissible?
Hi Bee!
This is permissible! The non-mixing is usually done during prayer, as men and women are supposed to be seperated anyway. At the burial site, when the body is actually being buried women aren’t usually supposed to be to close too the body. It depends on how close they are to the deceased (immediate family members can be there). Usually people who are not closed to the deceased are still in attendance, but farther away from the actual burial.
It really differs from country’s practices to another. In mine, everyone goes to the gravesite to send the deceased off and offer last Duas and flowers. Generally there is no physical contact between opposite genders that are not Mahram but we still are standing in a group together. So if I were you Bee, I’d invite that friend. Also in my country, when one gets invited to a burial, one must go unless one is ill (or prohibited by law like one is in jail or like the current Covid situation where only 20 people can be present). Again this is the practices in my country.
@ Jesus is God,‘first and foremost I come in peace my brother. I just have a quick question for you. If Isa (Jesus) is God, then who was God before Jesus?
I would also like to correct your statement my friend that indeed woman in Islam can attend, just seperate sections, as too not distract the purpose of the gathering at hand. At a Christian funeral when I was a Christian that haram thought Of wow the pastors wife sure does look good with all that cleavage and tight dress she is wearing, your a liar and a fat mouth if you say any of those thoughts haven’t crossed your mind at any Christian attendance. I strongly encourage you to open up your eyes to what’s real and what’s not, don’t get me wrong the prophet Isa many blessings and prayers to him and his family, and as many to you and yours that you find the truth. Asalamaliekum a Katu bara katu to all my brothers and sister who believe. And may Allah Subḥānallāh guide us all to love and peace.
What i dont understand is if truely jesus is God or son of god that surely he died on the cross, my question is then who is going to run the world thats blasphemy
If people have read the bible througly and understands,Then Jesus Christ himself said pray to your lord and to my lord.He was a human being like us but a Prophet.Not God.Please people do not misinterpret any religious books.
Yet Jesus also said in a verse in the New Testament of the Bible “I and the Father are one” – meaning that he & God the Father are one & the same being.
Why body is so bright when you wash the dead body? Because someone wash my ubba they said he body is so bright. Want to find out why?
I would like to send something to support the family during the grieving period. What would be appropriate?
BTW…shame on those who bring religious argument into this blog. Cannot believe people can be so inappropriate. Get your conscious in check people!
Hi Lynne!
Usually people bring food to the family. However (if Covid-permissible) sometimes just your company can be appreicated!
Peace, Love and Unity be with all. There is a being, a creator, a G-d. What you call him is your belief. The one thing they all believed in was Peace, Unity and LOVE. Stop comparing, stop trying to put one faith over another. Respect that one believe. Respect each others belief. Love one another. Listen to your faith leader and do the right thing without harm to others.
We Hindu believe that only body dies, soul is immortal. As body is made up of 5 elements (Space, Air, Water, Fire and Minerals), body should be merged back to these 5 elements. That why we cremate and then put ashes in the water to let 5 elements claim your body back. Our judgement day is based on individual karma and on that day soul is claimed back by the the energy of the universe – Moksha and that day you are free from the burden of rebirth.
To all reading, it does not matter what religion we are, we will all die, while we are alive let us all respect all religions and be kind to everyone. As Muslims we believe that Jewish, Christian and Muslims all pray to the very same God, who loves us all. May he forgive us all for our short comings. No one is so learned to know all the facts and history, sometimes we learn we misunderstood or had some incomplete knowledge presented to us. It is better for us not to judge each other and leave that right only to God.
Each religion has its own traditions and it is not for us to criticise or condemn each other, however it is certainly interesting to hear the many viewpoints and know that many ppl still have strong faith and views all in worship of our same creator. May His blessings be upon us all.
Thank you for your efforts to be inclusive. I truly appreciate it. However, I believe that some sections need a little revision, and I would just eliminate that “Haram” section altogether; it is quite random and out of context. I would also like to add that the person who leads prayer in Islam is called the “Imam” and not “Iman”. “Iman” means faith.
Death is death. Respect to all religions and your Gods. I just wanted to understand customs of Muslim funeral. Because I have friends that are Muslims.
Even in death there’s hatred.
And everyone wonders why there are people that won’t fsll for Gods and religions. It’s because of not just try to understand and respect someone’s wishes of their life to death.
Peace,
I was not going to comment due to the ignorance that I was reading. However I would be doing a disservice if I did not intervene. Christianity has a long and at times dark history. Remember that Jesus was not a Christian. In fact, to be Christian is to follow or be of the Christ. Christ is a title meaning the messiah. A messiah is not a God. However, if following that example makes you a better human then all praises to God. Islam has also been perverted in many ways by practitioners in many cultures. We may be forgetting that Prophet Muhammad (Mohamed) PBUH hid in Ethiopia amongst the African Coptic Christians while being attacked by those who were not supportive of ISLAM.
Surely some have gone astray. And some have gained God’s anger. Unfortunately, many of us are reactive and focus on our differences and not our similarities. The US is a Christian nation so Christian tradition may seem more practical. I would challenge many of us to research before the 3 major religions were given these names. You may find that ISLAM always existed but was not called ISLAM. That is why it had to be perfected.
Here is another gem. Jesus is not the proper name. That is Greek. The Hebrew language did not have the letter J. But to expound on Jesus (PBUH) and to return to the purpose of this thread, He was buried by the traditions of the time, culture, and location. Let us continue to educate each other peacefully.
Please educate me: where in the US Constitution does it say ” The US is a Christian nation”?
As I am sure you know, it does not appear anywhere in the constitution. The colonizers were purposefully clear to NOT say that! However it does act as such and thus many assume it is
I’m sorry but I hate this article …..there is so much negatively in it. This is not how we see funerals nor is it how I experienced it and I’ve been to both muslim and non muslim ones. Please don’t read stupid stuff of internet as this will make you hate the religion. If I didn’t know the truth I’d hate being a muslim if it was this way….but I guess a religion is always going to be how you experience it yourself.
women are very highly valued in islam. come at me my father is pakistani my mother was born a christian and i have lived and seen both religions very closely. My dad an imam my great uncle a priest and both my pakistani and english grandfathers in armed forces fought for this country.
Women are permitted to attend funerals and are advised not to attend burials but it is not forbidden.
We do give thanks to Allah for gifting us the grace of the person who has passed and we ask for them to be forgiven of any sins, we ask for them a place in heaven. Our deceased are treated with such grace and dignity its a very beautiful peaceful process so take those narrow minded uneducated opinions elsewhere.
the other half of my family have been cremated and i feel no need to justify or comment any further, ANYONE on here slating ANY religion needs to follow their faith closely as no religion teaches hate. we muslims are taught to respect all other faiths but be sure to educate on our knowledge (in a peaceful manner) alhumdolilla
If God did not exist it would be necessary for man to create him…….Voltaire
Islam set me free in my mind and life I love Islam thinking about covert to Islam, a friend of mine die recent and will be have a Islam funeral needed some insight on Islam funeral..
This is about Muslims and the way they do things in their culture and I find unfair that other religions are brought into this and being used in comparison to the muslim culture. Everyone is entitled to their own beliefs and the religion in which they choose to follow or were brought up in and this should be respected across the board. I find it disrespectful that quoting the bible and the ways Christians do things are being posted on here this is about the way muslims do things in their culture you don’t have to like it and yes your entitled to an opinion but please be respectful of them and their ways just as you would wish others to be respectful of yours
My aunt buried my Muslim grandfather, with his copy of the Quran , was that Correct?
I think it depends on which county you live in. In theory, even in most western countries, it is up to the next of kin to make funeral arrangements after the death of a person, & one would hope they would want to comply with the known wishes of the deceased person themselves. But in many countries, the deceased person’s funeral wishes cannot actually be enforced. So in some instances, the next of kin may simply give the deceased the kind of funeral THEY want him/her to have. But in some predominantly Muslim countries, even though a once-Muslim person may now be an ex-Muslim/atheist/apostate – their apostasy is not recognised by the government & Islam, because their religion is recorded as part of a person’s identity in the official records of that country & their apostasy is often not noted in the official records. Also a Muslim is never supposed to give up their faith in Islam. So, when it comes to funerals/burials, the government will only allow them to buried as a Muslim, with Muslim funeral rites etc. I knew an ex-Muslim in predominantly Muslim country, to whom this actually happened when they passed away. They still had to be buried as a Muslim.
Your grandfather is dead as Ecclesiastes 9:5-11 that do know nothing so what different what in his coffin. The dead are in a deep sleep only Jesus be able to wake them up if they are in God memory to be raised to life on earth forever psalm 37:29 soon by jesus as John 5:28-29 when he calls the dead can only answer Jesus authorize by God his Father as Matthew 28: 18-20 shows ok
We all serve the same God of Abraham. I have faith at the end God will sort us all out and we’ll know what’s what. Right now, we’re all in the dark looking for the light. No one among us would argue with God when the time comes to answer His questions face to face. Peace everyone.
I believe we are all going to be surprised when we get there. All understanding and ideas came from or through another human. We should share the similarities instead of the difference. We all agree the is One God. We all agree we are to love and serve one another. Just those two similarities put us under one undivided faith. Praise God in all our ways.
Allow people to have thei on beliefs. I’m a Christian. I believe on allowing everyone to believe what they believe in. Who knows which one is “right”? I believe what I believe in. No one can say it’s wrong. It’s okay for all of us to to believe what we believe. None of it’s wrong to me
I am a former Catholic who now follows African traditional religious customs. So I am neither Christian. Muslim, nor Jewish. I came to this site because I lost a very dear friend unexpectedly and suddenly. No one was prepared and we are all in a state of shock. She was Muslim and I was looking for information on how to respectfully attend her services and what to expect.
What I did not expect was the utter disrespect displayed in these comments. It is very very sad.
May G-d have mercy on us all. Peace
Western burial rituals promote embalming which I see to be an offence to God … How does Islam view embalming?
Islam does not allow embalming due to the waste of resources but mainly to allow the body to decompose naturally
I had the misfortune of going to a Muslim funeral yesterday my friend had been roman catholic his whole life and converted to Islam, and out of respect for him, I went with a totally open mind hoping to learn something about the culture and the people. Hardly any direction was given in the synagogue, so we were all a little confused as to what was going on. When driving to the cemetery it was like they had given a group of 18-year-olds the keys to the truck and said to get rid of the body somewhere.
The grave site looked like it had been thru a military campaign and was terrible, the hole was about 4 feet deep and an open bottom box had been built in it I was asked to get in the hole with another person and lower the body into the hole, on its side facing mecca.
They started pulling the formwork out stopping the hole from subsiding, when they were removing the formwork they dropped a couple of the metal stays on the body etc, then everyone was invited to grab a shovel and fill the hole in. Prayers were said, we were not offered to say anything about our friend.
All the non-Muslims left with the feeling it completely lacked any respect towards the body and I really felt like exhuming the body and taking it where it would be respected. What had been my very good friend had been an ignominious end to a great life it was a disgrace and I would treat my dog with far more respect.
As for learning anything about the Muslim culture and the people all I have is just a very disappointing feeling of utter contempt.
It was really heartless to watch his wife sitting there watching this all, after all, she had apparently been in love with him but I had a really hard time watching it all, it was very disappointing and I feel very saddened for my friends’ terrible end of life.
It has made me question a lot of things about humans, very sad
All religions are but at the will of God. If you believe God is all powerful.. We have different races, different species, different cultures, different diets… all to be able to survive in our different locations. All religions teach peace, humbleness, being honest, being humane… No religion teaches hate. Words are like arrows they do not go back into your mouth. watch what you say to another.. be human
I was brought up Christian. After reading a lot of these comments with all the negativity being up out there why would anyone want to convert to Christianity or Muslim? I don’t care if you call your higher power God or Allah as long as you treat people a well, with respect and do right by mankind, you will be ok on judgment day. It is the ones that are judging and and being mean that have the problem. I don’t care what you call yourself.