Guide to Muslim Funeral
In Islam the entire funeral process is the duty and responsibility of every local Muslim community.
It is an obligatory act for at least 1 member of the community to perform this duty (referred to as Fard-ekifaya), an obligation which if performed by even a single member of any community, it absolves the entire community of the responsibility, and if not then the entire community is sinful & accountable for this omission.
Muslims bury the deceased as soon as possible, preferably within 24 hours. The process involves three essential steps:
Washing & Shrouding the body
The Funeral Prayer
The Burial Process
All the deceased Muslims are buried and there is no cremation. There is also usually no need for embalming.
An important note for the Nursing Home, Hospital or Doctor regarding the "Cause of Death Certificate”.
Kindly note that the Funeral for Muslims takes place as soon as possible, usually within 24 hours after death. Therefore, there is some urgency in ensuring that the "Cause of Death Certificate" be available as soon as possible.
Your assistance in fulfilling this important rite will be highly appreciated. It is preferable not to have a postmortem performed unless absolutely essential for medico-legal purposes.
Near Death
WHEN A MUSLIM IS AT THE POINT OF DEATH
Family members of the dying person and his/her closest friends should be informed and should be present at his side to help him turn his thoughts to Allah, encourage him very gently to repent, remind him about all the good deeds that he did, and about Allah’s mercy and forgiveness. Those who are present near a dying Muslim should do the following:
they should be kind and patient.
they should never leave the person alone.
they should give them hope and encouragement.
They should encourage the brother of sister very gently without insistence to recite the Shahada: "Ashadu anla ilaha il-lallahu, wa ashhadu anna Muhammadun abduhu wa Rasullullah", which means ‘I bear witness that there is no God but Allah (SWT), and that the Prophet Muhammad (SAW) is his servant & messenger’ in a very kind and sincere manner as these may be their last words.
WHEN DEATH OCCURS
Many deaths occur in institutions like hospitals or nursing homes. There is a occasionally a concern that a Muslim who dies in such an institution may not be treated in accordance with Islamic tradition especially when family members may not present at the time of death.
Wherever possible, it is preferable that the body of the deceased be handled by staff of the same gender as the deceased. Staff must always wear gloves and avoid unnecessary handling of the body of the deceased.
The body should NOT be washed in preparation for the funeral, except for any necessary cleansing which may be required for hygiene purposes. The washing in preparation for burial is a very important duty which the deceased’s family members or members of the community are obliged to perform.
When death comes the body should be handled with the utmost respect, gentleness and decency. Kindly ensure that the following procedures have been carried out:
Any tubes, false teeth, contact lenses or artificial limbs should be removed.
Any incisions plugged so as to prevent a flow of blood or body fluid.
Close the eyes of the deceased.
Tie the lower jaw with a bandage or a strip of cloth tied on the top of the head in order that the mouth is held in a closed position.
The ankles must be fastened together with a bandage or strip of cloth to avoid the lower limbs being left apart.
Arms must be placed straight down the side of the body with the fingers straightened.
The body, still fully clothed, should then be wrapped in a sheet.
It is preferable that any person in the state of Janaabat (in need of compulsory bath), Haidh (menstruation) or Nifas (postnatal bleeding) should not be in the presence of or in close proximity to the body.
Quranic recitations should not be performed near the body until after Ghusl (Bathing of the deceased) is completed.
staff should inform the doctor as soon as possible, to arrange for the Cause of Death Certificate at the earliest convenience.
The nurse in the interim completes a Life Extinct Form.
The funeral takes place as soon as possible so it is crucial that arrangements for this cause of death certificate be made as soon as possible.
The body shall remain at the hospital ward or mortuary, until such time when the paperwork has been issued to release the body to the funeral director.
Members of the family are encouraged to remain at the Hospital or Nursing home until appropriate arrangements for the Cause of Death Certificate have been made.
Important Note for the Nursing Home, Hospital or Doctor
Kindly note that the Funeral takes place as soon as possible, usually within 24 hours, but this may be as soon as 6 – 8 hours after death. Therefore, there is usually some urgency in ensuring that the "Cause of Death" certificate be available as soon as possible please. Your understanding and assistance in this regard will be highly appreciated.