All About Muslim Funeral & Islamic Burial Rites

As part of the first step of the Muslim funeral service, the body of the deceased is collected and given a good bath - Preparing the Body. According to the Muslim funeral rituals, the dead body is washed 3 times by the closest family member of the same gender. This process of washing the body is "Ghusl".

So,

How to Perform Ghusl?

Following Islamic traditions and customs, Ghusl is performed three times by the closest family member of the deceased. And this is a long process that should be performed according to the traditions. Here are the steps that involve the bathing of the corpse(Ghusl).

• As the first part, the body of the deceased will be placed on a platform or showering trey.

• While commencing the Ghusl, it is necessary that the body is covered in a sheet of cloth.

• Now start the Ghusl. The first part of this process involves washing the stomach. Wear gloves before you wash the private part of the body, as it is impermissible to touch the private area(aurat).

• Next, the eye, nose, and front teeth are cleaned with a piece of wet cotton.

• Now the next part of Ghusl, Wudhu is performed where steps involve:

• The face

• Arm to elbow

• The head

• Feet up to the ankles.

• These steps should be followed in proper sequence while doing Wudhu. While performing Wudhu, make sure that water is not entering the mouth or nostrils.

• Starting from the head, start washing the body with soap and water, then the upper part and the lower part of the body from right to left part.

• This process should be done 1 time or 3 times or even 7 times if needed.

• After the process of Wudhu is done, you need to tilt the body to its left side wash the backside of the body with soap and water, and then tilt the body to the right side and do the same.

• As the last part of the Ghual, the body is washed with camphor water from the head part to the toe part three times and then dry the body with a clean towel.

• Make sure that the private part(aurat) is covered in the entire process.

• Finally, the clean body is prepared for shrouding, the next process of Muslim Funeral service.

Shrouding - Dressing The Dead in Muslim Funeral

After the process of Ghusl, the body is then presented to be dressed up!

Shrouding(Kafan), is the process of dressing the body with layers of sheets of cloth and this is a process that follows the Muslim funeral traditions.

The shroud, known as "Kafan" in Arabic, is a simple, unadorned white cloth that wraps the deceased with dignity and equality. It serves as a reminder of our transient nature and emphasizes the soul's journey beyond material possessions. Unlike extravagant displays of wealth, the Kafan signifies humility and underscores the belief that all individuals stand equal before God on the Day of Judgment.

After the shrouding, the next part of the Muslim funeral custom, the Salatul Jenazah prayers starts. Then the final step is the Muslim Burial.

Burial in Muslim Funerals

Following the Janaza prayer, the body is prepared for Islamic burial. This typically involves placing the deceased in a simple wooden coffin, which is then carried to the cemetery in a procession. The burial plot should be oriented towards Mecca, the holiest city in Islam. Key aspects of Muslim burial include:

Graves are typically unmarked or marked with simple stones, reflecting the emphasis on equality and avoiding ostentation. The body is treated with respect and dignity throughout the process. Muslims believe in burying the deceased as soon as possible, usually within 24 hours of death. This is based on the belief that it allows the soul to begin its journey to the afterlife. The Islamic burial is typically a communal event attended by family, friends, and the wider Muslim community.

Prayers are recited throughout the process of Islamic burial, seeking blessings for the deceased and comfort for the living.

And with the body being buried following the Muslim funeral traditions in Islam, the mourning period of friends and family members starts. This period will last for 40 days. Muslim memorial services will be content annually to remember the deceased.

There you go, folks. You may have a good brief idea of Muslim funerals and the Islamic burial rites. Share your opinions in the comment section below.