Islam: Worship and Practice » Mourning and Funeral Rites in Islam

Death and the rites that follow

The last rite of passage is death. Muslims believe life is a gift from Allah and that every person will return to him. You have already met this idea in the lesson on akhirah: Muslims often say "to Allah we belong and to him we return" when they hear of a death. The rites of mourning and funeral help the family say goodbye, honour the dead and remember what they believe about life after death.

Key terms:

• Ghusl: the full ritual washing of the body, here done for the person who has died.
• Kafan: the plain white cloth in which the body is wrapped.
• Salat al-Janazah: the funeral prayer, said for the dead person by the community.
• Janazah: the funeral, and also the body of the person who has died.
• Iddah (recap from Divorce and Remarriage in Islam): the waiting period of mourning that a widow observes after her husband dies.

At the deathbed

When a Muslim is close to death, family and friends stay with them. They are encouraged to help the person say the Shahadah, the statement of faith, so that these are their last words. If the dying person cannot speak, a relative says it quietly near them. Passages of the Qur'an, such as Surah Ya-Sin, are often recited, and the person may be turned to face Makkah if this is possible.

After the death, the eyes are gently closed and the body is covered. The family says, "To Allah we belong and to him we return." Muslims are asked to accept the loss with patience. Crying is natural, but loud wailing and tearing clothes are discouraged.

Washing and wrapping the body

The funeral prayer

The Salat al-Janazah is a prayer for forgiveness and mercy for the dead person. It is a duty on the Muslim community as a whole, so if enough people pray it, the duty is met. Some features make it different from the daily prayers:

• It is said standing. There is no bowing or prostration and no call to prayer.
• The imam stands in front of the body and the people stand in rows behind him.
• It is often held outside the prayer hall, such as in a courtyard, or in a hall used for funerals, although some Muslims also pray it inside the mosque.
• It includes praying for the dead person, for the living, and for all Muslims.

Sunni Muslims say four takbirs (saying "Allahu Akbar") during the prayer, while Shi'a Muslims say five. This is one example of how practice differs between the two traditions.

Burial

Muslims bury the body as soon as possible, usually within a day or so. Cremation is not allowed in Islam, because the body is treated as something to be honoured and returned to the earth. The grave rules show respect and simplicity:

• The body is laid on its right side, facing Makkah.
• The grave is kept simple. A tall or showy monument is discouraged, so that no one is set above others even in death.
• Mourners join in the burial, and many throw a handful of earth into the grave and pray.

Mourning

Mourning is usually kept for three days. Neighbours and friends visit, bring food for the family and pray for the dead person. A widow mourns for longer, a period called the iddah, lasting four months and ten days. This is taught in the Qur'an (2:234). During this time she stays mainly at home and does not remarry until the period ends.

Muslims believe good actions can still help the dead. Family and friends make du'a (prayers asking Allah for help) for the person, and give money to charity in their name. Some Muslims also recite the Qur'an for the dead, while some scholars say this has no basis. Muslims may also visit graves. The Prophet taught that visiting graves reminds people of death and the next life, so the visit is a time to pray for the dead and think about your own life.

What the rites show

Different attitudes to the rites

All Muslims agree on the main parts: washing, white cloth, funeral prayer and quick burial. Attitudes differ in other ways:

• Simplicity or custom: some Muslims stress that the rites must stay simple. They discourage big gatherings, loud grief, elaborate graves and special meals as cultural additions. Others keep local customs, such as set days of gathering, because these comfort the family and community.
• Sunni and Shi'a practice: as seen above, the number of takbirs in the funeral prayer differs. Shi'a Muslims also hold mourning gatherings in memory of the Imams and visit their graves. Sunni Muslims also visit graves, though views differ on how far this should go.
• Living in the UK: in a non-Muslim country, quick burial can be hard. Paperwork, a coroner's report or limited cemetery space may cause delays. Some cemeteries ask for a coffin, while many Muslims prefer burial in a shroud only. Many mosques now work with funeral directors, and some areas have Muslim sections in cemeteries. Muslims may disagree about how far to adapt, and some accept a coffin as a practical need.

Exam-style question

(a) Outline two features of a Muslim funeral. [4 marks]

(b) Explain why the funeral rites are important for Muslims. [6 marks]

(c) "Muslims in the UK should always follow the funeral rites exactly." Discuss this statement, considering the arguments for and against. In your answer you should include: reference to teachings; other (divergent) points of view; your opinion/point of view using reasoned arguments. [10 marks]