Islamic Funeral Rites & Traditions
Islamic funeral rites follow traditions established by the Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) and are designed to honour the deceased while preparing for the afterlife. This guide explains each element of the Islamic funeral process as practised in the UK.
- Four main rites: Ghusl (washing), Kafan (shrouding), Salat al-Janazah (prayer), Burial
- Simplicity is emphasised – all Muslims are buried equally
- Cremation is prohibited in Islam
- Three-day mourning period for most family members
- 40 days of mourning and condolences common in many cultures
- Widow observes 4 months and 10 days iddah period
When death approaches
Before the four funeral rites, there are important practices when a Muslim is dying:
At the bedside
- Turn towards qibla – if possible, position the dying person to face Makkah (south-east in the UK)
- Recite Surah Yasin – traditionally recited to ease the soul's departure
- Talqeen – gently prompt the shahada ("La ilaha illallah") so it may be their last words
- Make dua – pray for Allah (SWT) to ease their passing and grant them mercy
Dua when closing the eyes of the deceased:
"Allahummaghfir li [name] warfa' darajatahu fil-mahdiyyeen, wakhlufhu fi 'aqibihi fil-ghabireen, waghfir lana wa lahu ya Rabbal-'alameen, wa afsah lahu fi qabrihi wa nawwir lahu feeh."
"O Allah, forgive [name] and elevate their station among those who are guided. Send them a noble successor. Forgive us and them, O Lord of the worlds. Make their grave spacious and illuminate it for them."
The four essential rites
Islamic funeral practice consists of four obligatory elements that must be performed for every Muslim who dies:
1. Ghusl (غسل) – Ritual washing
The body is washed three times (or more, in odd numbers) by same-sex family members or trained community volunteers. This purifies the body for burial and is considered a communal obligation (fard kifayah).
2. Kafan (كفن) – Shrouding
The body is wrapped in simple white cloth. Men are wrapped in three pieces; women in five pieces. The shroud symbolises equality in death – rich and poor are buried the same way.
3. Salat al-Janazah (صلاة الجنازة) – Funeral prayer
A special congregational prayer performed for the deceased, usually at the mosque or cemetery. Unlike regular prayers, it is performed standing throughout with no prostration.
4. Burial (دفن) – Interment
The body is buried in the ground facing Makkah, ideally without a coffin. Male relatives typically lower the body into the grave while reciting prayers.
Ghusl: The ritual washing
Ghusl is the first step in preparing the body. It is a sacred act of care for the deceased:
Ghusl procedure
- The body is placed on a raised surface and covered modestly
- The washer makes intention (niyyah) to perform ghusl
- The private areas are cleaned first while covered
- Wudu (ablution) is performed for the deceased
- The body is washed with water and lotus leaves (or soap)
- Washing is repeated three times (or more odd numbers if needed)
- The final wash may include camphor or other pleasant scent
- The body is dried and wrapped in the kafan
Who performs ghusl?
Ideally, same-sex family members perform the washing. A husband may wash his wife and vice versa. If no family is available, trained volunteers from the Muslim community perform this service. Most mosques have volunteers who can assist.
Kafan: The burial shroud
The kafan is simple white cotton or linen cloth. The simplicity reflects Islamic teaching that all are equal before Allah (SWT) in death:
Kafan for men (3 pieces):
- Izar – lower body wrap from waist to feet
- Qamis – upper body covering from neck to feet
- Lifafah – large sheet wrapping the entire body
Kafan for women (5 pieces):
- Izar – lower body wrap
- Qamis – upper body covering
- Khimar – head covering
- Khirqah – chest wrap
- Lifafah – outer sheet wrapping entire body
Salat al-Janazah: The funeral prayer
The funeral prayer is a communal obligation – if some Muslims perform it, the obligation is fulfilled for all. It is performed standing throughout:
Structure of the prayer:
- First Takbir – "Allahu Akbar" followed by recitation of Al-Fatiha
- Second Takbir – followed by Salawat (blessings upon the Prophet)
- Third Takbir – followed by supplication (dua) for the deceased
- Fourth Takbir – followed by a brief dua and then Taslim (ending the prayer)
Where is Janazah prayer held?
Usually at the mosque, though it can be held at the cemetery or funeral home. The body (in its coffin or on a bier) is placed in front of the congregation. The Imam stands at the head (for a man) or middle (for a woman).
The burial ceremony
Islamic burial is simple and dignified. The key elements include:
- Swift burial – ideally within 24 hours of death
- Facing qibla – the body faces Mecca (south-east in the UK)
- Simple grave – no elaborate coffins or vaults
- Prayers at graveside – dua recited as earth is placed in the grave
- Each person adds soil – mourners each place three handfuls of earth
Dua recited at burial
As each handful of soil is placed, mourners may recite:
"Minha khalaqnakum, wa fiha nu'idukum, wa minha nukhrijukum taratan ukhra"
"From it (the earth) We created you, and into it We shall return you, and from it We shall bring you forth once more." (Quran 20:55)
Mourning practices
Islam prescribes specific mourning periods and practices:
Three-day mourning period
Most family members observe three days of mourning during which they receive condolences, avoid excessive grief displays, and focus on prayer. Normal activities resume after this period.
Iddah for widows
A widow observes iddah for 4 months and 10 days. During this time, she stays at home, avoids adornment and perfume, and does not remarry. This period allows time for grief and ensures any pregnancy is known.
Condolence visits (Ta'ziyah)
Community members visit the bereaved family to offer condolences and support. Visitors often bring food so the family doesn't need to cook. The visit typically includes recitation of Quran and dua for the deceased.
Sadaqah Jariyah (ongoing charity)
Giving charity in the deceased's name is highly encouraged. Sadaqah jariyah (ongoing charity like building a well, funding education, or planting trees) continues to benefit the deceased in the afterlife. The Prophet (peace be upon him) said: "When a person dies, their deeds come to an end except for three: ongoing charity, beneficial knowledge, or a righteous child who prays for them."
What is prohibited
Islamic tradition prohibits certain practices around death:
- Cremation – strictly forbidden; only burial is permitted
- Loud lamentation (niyaha) – while quiet tears are permitted (the Prophet wept for his son), the pre-Islamic practice of loud wailing, beating the chest, or tearing clothes is prohibited
- Eulogies praising the deceased – simple remembrance is preferred
- Flowers on the grave – traditionally not done, though practices vary
- Elaborate memorials – simple grave markers are preferred
- Delaying burial unnecessarily – swift burial is required
Cultural variations
While core Islamic requirements are consistent, cultural practices vary between communities:
Common cultural additions
- 40-day observances – many cultures hold gatherings at 40 days
- Quran recitation circles – family and friends gather to complete Quran recitation for the deceased
- Anniversary remembrances – annual gatherings with dua and charity
- Food traditions – specific dishes served during mourning period vary by culture
Supporting a bereaved Muslim family
If you're attending a Muslim funeral or visiting a bereaved family:
- Offer "Inna lillahi wa inna ilayhi raji'un" (To Allah (SWT) we belong and to Him we return)
- Dress modestly – women may cover their hair at the mosque
- Men and women often sit separately during condolences
- Bringing food for the family is customary and appreciated
- Avoid bringing flowers unless you know the family's preference
- Donations to charity in the deceased's name are welcomed
Related Guides
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Muslim Burial Requirements UK
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Muslim Burial Grounds UK
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Muslim Burial Costs UK 2025
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Same-Day Burial Requirements UK
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