Islamic funeral

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A lithographic painting depicting a muslim funeral procession in India, circa 1888

Islamic funeral or funeral rites in Islam is about specific rites followed in Islam for burying the dead.

1 Burial rituals
- 1.1 Funeral prayer
- 1.2 Mourning
  - 1.2.1 Directives for widows
2 Notes
3 References
4 External links

[edit] Burial rituals

Burial rituals include:^[1]

Bathing the dead body,^[2] except in extraordinary circumstances as in battle of Uhud.^[3]
Enshrouding dead body in coffin cloth.^[4]
Funeral prayer.^[5]
Burial of the dead body in a grave.

[edit] Funeral prayer

Like Eid prayer, this prayer is also prayed with extra Takbirs, but there is no Ruku' (bowing) and Sujud (prostrating). In Extraordinary circumstances, the prayer can be postponed and prayed at a later time as done in battle of Uhud.^[5]

[edit] Mourning

Loved ones and relatives are to observe a 3-day mourning period.

[edit] Directives for widows

Qur'an prohibits widows to engage themselves for four lunar months and ten days, after the death of their husbands. According to Qur'an:

“	And those of you who die and leave widows behind, they should keep themselves in waiting for four months and ten days. Then when they have fulfilled their term, there is no blame on you about what they do with themselves in accordance with the norms [of society]. And Allah is well acquainted with what you do. And there is also no blame on you if you tacitly send a marriage proposal to these women or hold it in your hearts. Allah knows that you would definitely talk to them. [Do so] but do not make a secret contract. Of course you can say something in accordance with the norms [of the society]. And do not decide to marry until the law reaches its term. And know that Allah has knowledge of what is in your hearts; so be fearful of Him and know that Allah is Most forgiving and Most Forbearing.	„
—Qur'an, 2:234-235

Islamic scholars consider this directive a balance between mourning of husband's death and protection of widow from censure that she became interested in re-marrying soon after her husband’s death.^[6] This is also to ascertain whether a lady is pregnant or not.^[7]

Husbands should make a will in favor of their wives for the provision of one year’s residence and maintenance, except if the wives themselves leave the house or take any other similar step. As stated in Qur'an:

“	And those of you who die and leave widows should bequeath for their widows a year’s provision and [bequeath] that [in this period] they shall not be turned out of their residences; but if they themselves leave the residence, there is no blame on you for what they do with themselves according to the norms of society. And Allah is Exalted in Power, Wise.	„
—Qur'an, 2:240