Islamic Funeral Traditions

Islamic funerals may vary regionally, but they include a few specific funeral rites we cover in our article:

• Islamic Burial

• Prayers

Islamic Burial
Before burial members of the deceased’s family or community will wash the body with scented water, and then will wrap the body in sheets of white cloth (Kafan). Muslims try to bury the deceased as soon as possible after death to avoid the need for embalming or disturbing the body.

Prayers
Prayers are most often held outdoors prior to burial and are led by the imam. All members of the community are able to attend prayers, but only men may escort the body to the cemetery for burial. If permitted by law, the body is placed in a grave without a coffin. Muslims are discouraged from erecting tombstones, memorials or leaving mementos at gravesites.