Islamic burial practices follow specific religious requirements. Our guides explain every aspect of Muslim funerals in the UK, from ritual washing to finding suitable cemeteries.
Arranging a Muslim funeral in the UK requires understanding both Islamic requirements and UK legal obligations. While the two can work together, knowing how to navigate both systems helps families honour their loved one appropriately.
Swift burial is a key Islamic principle. The Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) encouraged hastening burial, ideally within 24 hours. In the UK, this is achievable with good planning, though same-day burial requires early registration and coordination. Our guides explain step-by-step how to arrange urgent burial while meeting legal requirements.
Ghusl (ritual washing) is one of four essential rites for the deceased. The body is washed three or more times by same-sex family members or trained volunteers, then wrapped in a simple white shroud (kafan). Most UK mosques have ghusl facilities and volunteers who can assist, or Muslim funeral directors offer this service.
Salat al-Janazah (funeral prayer) is performed in congregation, usually at the mosque or cemetery. Unlike regular prayers, it is performed entirely standing with no prostration. Our guides explain the prayer structure and what to expect so you feel prepared whether leading, participating, or attending for the first time.
Burial requirements in Islam specify that the body should face Makkah (qibla) and ideally be buried without a coffin. Many UK cemeteries now have Muslim sections with qibla-aligned graves, and some allow shroud-only burial. We provide directories of Muslim cemeteries across the UK and explain what questions to ask when booking.
Costs vary significantly depending on location and services used. Basic Muslim burial can cost £1,500-£3,000, while full-service arrangements with a Muslim funeral director may reach £4,000-£6,000. Our cost guides break down every expense and suggest ways to reduce costs while meeting religious requirements.
Repatriation is an option some families consider—returning the body to a country of origin for burial. This involves embalming (which scholars generally permit for transport purposes), extensive documentation, and costs of £3,000-£8,000 or more. We explain the process and help families weigh this against UK burial.
Islamic wills and inheritance follow specific rules (faraid) different from UK intestacy law. Without a valid will, UK law—not Islamic law—determines how the estate is distributed. Our guides explain Islamic inheritance principles and how to write a Sharia-compliant will that is also legally valid in the UK.
Support is available throughout the process. Mosques, burial committees, and Muslim funeral directors understand these requirements and can guide families through each step. You don't need to navigate this alone.
Complete guide to Ghusl, the Islamic ritual washing of the deceased. Step-by-step procedure, who can perform it, what's needed, and where to arrange it in the UK.
Complete guide to Islamic funeral rites and traditions in the UK. Ghusl, kafan, Janazah prayers, burial customs, and mourning practices explained.
Guide to Islamic inheritance rules and writing a Sharia-compliant will in the UK. Faraid inheritance shares, wasiyyah limits, and how UK law interacts with Islamic requirements.
Complete guide to Muslim burial costs in the UK. Cemetery fees, funeral director prices, ghusl costs, and ways to reduce expenses while meeting Islamic requirements.
Find Muslim cemeteries and Islamic burial grounds across the UK. Directory of Muslim sections in cemeteries, dedicated Islamic burial sites, and what to look for.
Complete guide to Muslim burial requirements in the UK. Islamic funeral rules, Sharia law compliance, burial timing, cemetery requirements, and what families need to know.
Find Muslim funeral directors across the UK. What services they offer, questions to ask, costs to expect, and how to choose the right Islamic funeral service.
Understand the Islamic perspective on organ donation in the UK. Scholarly opinions, the opt-out system, and how to make an informed decision as a Muslim.
Complete guide to repatriating a body for Muslim burial abroad. Costs, documentation, embalming requirements, and step-by-step process for sending a body from the UK.
Complete guide to Salat al-Janazah, the Islamic funeral prayer. How it's performed, who should attend, what to recite, and funeral prayer etiquette in the UK.
Learn the proper Islamic condolence phrases, what to say (and avoid saying) when a Muslim dies, and how to support bereaved Muslim families in the UK.
Farra is a digital assistant that helps with death admin and bereavement support in the UK. From registering a death to applying for probate, Farra provides step-by-step guidance, essential documents, and practical help for families navigating the administrative side of loss. Designed to bring clarity and compassion to the most difficult moments, Farra simplifies estate paperwork, bank notifications, and funeral-related tasks so you can focus on what matters.