by Olaide Akande

Created on: July 06, 2009   Last Updated: July 10, 2009

Death is the only certain thing in this life... if one really thinks about it. It has been predestined for every soul. So after death what next? The funeral ceremony is usually the immediate thing to be concerned about, at least from an Islamic perspective. In Islam, it is encouraged to bury the dead as soon as possible. The Islamic funeral ceremony consists of the following aspects:

Washing (Ghusl-Janazah) and Shrouding the Deceased

As soon as it has been confirmed that a person has passed, he is to be washed according to prescribed methods. This is done with water mixed with lotus leaves, if available, to give a perfumery scent. The washing should be done preferably by close relatives, for example, a man washes his wife and vice versa otherwise the next closest relative of the same gender as the deceased. Other righteous knowledgeable people can also perform this function if no relatives are available.

Next up is the shrouding of the corpse with 2 or more pieces of garment preferably white and if possible of a stripped pattern. This should cover the entire body from head to toe. The garment may also be lightly scented. People who arrive after the body has been covered may open the face to pay their respects and pray for the deceased.

The Funeral Prayers (Salatul-Janazah)

Without any delay, after the shrouding has been done, the corpse is taken to the prayer ground and prayers are performed on it. The prayers are usually done in a designated open space near a mosque but rarely, it may be said inside a mosque if no such open space exists. The corpse is placed at the centre with the imam (person leading the prayer) standing opposite the head or middle body and others forming rows behind the imam. It is recommended for large numbers of Muslims to participate in the prayers, including friends, relatives, and community members whether the deceased be known to them or not.

The Funeral Procession

The corpse is then carried to the grave yard, with a procession in tow, however there is no chanting, music or the sort and it is strictly prohibited for people to wail. It is preferable for people to follow behind rather than in front and those in a vehicle should follow behind those on foot. Women are discouraged from following the bier; however it is not a strict prohibition.

The Burial

The corpse is then lowered into the grave and specific supplications are made upon doing so. Note that Muslims are never buried in a coffin. The preferred type of grave site

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