ISLAMIC FUNERAL SERVICES

When a Muslim passes away, the family or those present immediately recite "Inna Lillahi wa Inna Ilayhi Raji'un" (Indeed, to Allah we belong and to Him is our return), acknowledging that death is part of Allah's will. The following immediate steps are typically taken:

• Closing the Eyes: It is customary to gently close the deceased’s eyes and straighten their limbs.
• Shrouding the Body: Before washing the body, the deceased is covered with a simple cloth. This is done with great respect and reverence for the deceased.

The itual washing of the body, is an important part of Islamic funeral services. The body is washed an odd number of times (usually three), with care taken to ensure that it is purified in accordance with Islamic practices. This washing is typically done by close family members or other qualified individuals of the same gender.

• Ritual Cleansing: The body is washed with water, sometimes scented with camphor or other natural fragrances. The process involves cleaning the body from head to toe, ensuring that the body is prepared for its next phase.
• Respect and Dignity: Ghusl is performed with great respect and care, as the body is being prepared for the afterlife.

After the body is washed, it is wrapped in a plain white cloth known as Kafan. The Kafan is usually a simple, unadorned cloth that symbolizes purity, humility, and the equality of all people in death, regardless of their status in life.

• Three Pieces of Cloth: The body is typically wrapped in three pieces of cloth, with specific guidelines for how it is done. The shroud is modest, reflecting the Islamic principles of simplicity and equality.
• Personalization: While the Kafan should remain simple, families may choose to include specific prayers or inscriptions on the cloth if desired, in line with Islamic practices.

The Salat al-Janazah, or funeral prayer, is a key component of the Islamic funeral service. This prayer is said collectively by the community for the deceased and is an opportunity for the family and the Muslim community to ask Allah for mercy, forgiveness, and peace for the departed soul.

• Praying Together: The funeral prayer is led by an imam or knowledgeable individual. The prayer is short and does not involve prostration. It is typically performed at a mosque, funeral home, or another designated place of worship.
• Focus on Mercy: The prayer asks for Allah’s forgiveness and mercy on the deceased, as well as strength for the grieving family.

The burial process in Islam is a sacred moment. Muslims believe that the body should be returned to the earth as soon as possible after death, in accordance with Islamic traditions. The following steps are typically observed during the burial:

• Transporting the Body: The body is transported to the cemetery, with the family and community accompanying it to offer prayers and support. The deceased is usually transported in a simple coffin or on a bier.
• Laying the Body to Rest: At the cemetery, the body is laid in the grave facing the Qibla (the direction of Mecca). The body is placed on its right side, with the face directed towards Mecca, following the example of the Prophet Muhammad.
• Filling the Grave: Once the body is placed in the grave, family members or community members take turns filling the grave with earth. This is done with reverence and quiet reflection, acknowledging the finality of death and the transition to the afterlife.
• Reciting Quranic Verses: During and after the burial, the family and community often recite Quranic verses, such as Surah Al-Fatiha and Surah Al-Baqarah, to offer prayers for the deceased’s peace and forgiveness.