Islamic Funerals

Islamic funerals

When Muslims are dying, they recite the Islamic declaration of faith, the Shahada:

"There is no God but Allah and Muhammad is the Messenger of Allah".

They may try to say the last words of Muhammad (peace be upon him):

"Allah, help me through the hardship and agony of death".

The dead person's body is washed and wrapped in white cloth. Muslims prefer not to use a coffin.

Muslims try to bury the dead person as fast as possible, within 24 hours.

Bodies are buried facing Mecca.

Because Muslims believe that at the Day of Judgement there will be a physical resurrection, cremation is forbidden. Allah will put people's bodies back together again at the Day of Judgement:

"Does man think that We cannot assemble his bones? Indeed, We have the power to restore his very finger tips". Surah 75:3-4

While people are standing by the grave the opening Surah of the Qur'an is read:

"In the name of Allah, Most Gracious, Most Merciful. Praise be to Allah the Cherisher and Sustainer of the worlds. Most Gracious, Most Merciful, Master of the Day of Judgement, You alone do we worship and Your aid we seek. Show us the straight way, the way of those to whom You have given Your favour, and not of those who go astray". Surah 1

Then, once the body is in the ground, people say:

"From the earth have We created you, and into it We shall return you and from it shall We bring you forth once more". Surah 20:55

Graves are raised above ground level so that people do not walk on them and large tombstones or decorations are discouraged