Islamic funeral

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

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[edit] Burial rituals

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Burial rituals should normally take place as soon as possible and 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.
  • Positioning the deceased so that the head is faced towards Makkah.

[edit] Bathing of the dead body

The corpse is washed (bathed), the main factor in this step is to physically cleanse the corpse. The method, the style and the accessories used for bathing the corpse may vary from time to time and from place to place. Bathing a corpse, in whatever method, is a part of the Sunnah of the Islamic prophet Muhammad,[6] and therefore a part of the Islamic Shari`ah. The body is washed while a cloth is put on top of it. The water is then poured over the body with the cloth on the body. The genitals should be covered at all times.

[edit] Enshrouding the dead body

The corpse is wrapped in a simple plain cloth. The cloth is called 'kafan' and the process 'takfeen'. The main factor in this step is to respectfully wrap the corpse in a cloth so that its private parts are not visible to others. The style of this wrapping and the material and the color of the cloth used for this wrapping may vary from place to place and from time to time. However, the important aspect in the style of wrapping and the material used is that it should be a simple rather than a gaudy style and the cloth used for this purpose should also not be very flashy. It is for this reason that Muslims have generally preferred to use white cotton cloth to serve as 'kafan'. It is allowed to put some perfume on the cloth. [7]

[edit] Funeral prayer

The Muslims of the community gather to offer their collective prayers for the forgiveness of the dead. This prayer has been generally termed as the Janazah prayer.

The prayer is offered in a particular way. Like Eid prayer, this prayer is also prayed with extra (four[8]) Takbirs, but there is no Ruku' (bowing) and Sujud (prostrating). Supplication for the deceased and mankind is recited. In extraordinary circumstances, the prayer can be postponed and prayed at a later time as done in the Battle of Uhud[5]. It becomes obligatory for every Muslim adult male to perform the funeral prayer upon the death of any Muslim, however when it is performed by the few it alleviates that obligation for all. [9]

[edit] Burial

Grave of a Muslim
Grave of a Muslim

The deceased is then taken for burial (al-Dafin). The style of the grave and that of the burial may vary from place to place due to different methodologies surrounding funeral proceedings. The Islamic directive is restricted to a respectful burial in the ground.

The grave itself should be aligned perpendicular to the Qiblah (i.e. towards Mecca). The wrapped body is placed directly into the ground, without a casket. Graves should be raised, up to a maximum of twelve inches above the ground. Graves markers are simple, because outwardly lavish displays are discouraged in Islam. Many times graves may even be unmarked, or marked only with a simple wreath. However, it is becoming more common for family members to erect grave monuments.

Only men are allowed to attend the actual graveside service.[10] The body is laid such that the head is facing the Qiblah. Those present at the grave each take their turn in pouring three handfuls of soil into the grave while reciting "We created you from it, and return you into it, and from it we will raise you a second time", [Qur'an 20:55]. More prayers are then said, asking for forgiveness of the deceased, and reminding the dead of his or her profession of faith.

In a Tatar Muslim cemetery
In a Tatar Muslim cemetery

After the burial, the Muslims who have gathered to paying their respects to the dead collectively pray for the forgiveness of the dead. This collective prayer is the last formal collective prayer for the dead.

[edit] Mourning

Loved ones and relatives are to observe a 3-day mourning period[11]. Mourning is observed in Islam by increased devotion, receiving visitors and condolences, and avoiding decorative clothing and jewelry. Widows observe an extended mourning period (Iddah), 4 months and 10 days long[12], in accordance with the [Qur'an 2:234]. During that time, the widow is not to remarry, move from her home, or wear decorative clothing or jewelry.

Grief at the death of a beloved person is normal, and weeping for the dead is allowed in Islam[13]. It is however prohibited to express grief by wailing (Bewailing refers to mourning in a loud voice), shrieking, beating the chest and cheeks, tearing hair or clothes, breaking objects, scratching faces or speaking phrases that make a Muslim lose faith[14].

Muslim men finishing a grave after a recent burial
Muslim men finishing a grave after a recent burial

[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,  [Qur'an 2:234]

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.[15] This is also to ascertain whether a lady is pregnant or not.[16]

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, [Qur'an 2:240]

[edit] Notes

  1. ^ Ghamidi(2001), Customs and Behavioral Laws
  2. ^ Sahih Bukhari 1254
  3. ^ Sahih Bukhari 1346
  4. ^ Sahih Muslim 943
  5. ^ a b Ghamidi, Various types of the prayer
  6. ^ Sahih Muslim Volume 2, Book 23, Number 344-358
  7. ^ Sahih Muslim Volume 2, Book 23, Number 353-358
  8. ^ Sahih Muslim Volume 2, Book 23, Number 404
  9. ^ Sahih Muslim Volume 2, Book 23, Number 359
  10. ^ Sahih Muslim Volume 2, Book 23, Number 368
  11. ^ Sahih Muslim Volume 2, Book 23, Number 369-371
  12. ^ Sahih Muslim Volume 2, Book 23, Number 370-371
  13. ^ Sahih Muslim Volume 2, Book 23, Number 391
  14. ^ Sahih Muslim Volume 2, Book 23, Number 375-393
  15. ^ Islahi(1986), p. 546
  16. ^ Shehzad Saleem. The Social Directives of Islam: Distinctive Aspects of Ghamidi’s Interpretation, Renaissance. March, 2004


[edit] References

[edit] External links

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