Muslim Burials

In Islam, as in many faiths, death signifies the end of life on earth and the beginning of an eternal existence in the hereafter. Muslims believe that “death is not final, but a temporary separation from loved ones, who will be resurrected on the Day of Judgment and, if God wills, reunited with their family.”

Outside of Islamic countries, the specific requirements for Muslim burials are often not fully understood or accommodated. In Britain, the Commission for Racial Equality has issued guidance for local authorities, including recommendations for both central and local governments. While some councils have responded by creating separate burial areas for non-Christians, others still lack such provisions, which can cause unnecessary distress for grieving families.

Before burial, the body must be ceremonially washed. Many modern mosques have designated areas for this purpose, though it often requires special permission from local authorities. The funeral prayer, Salat Al-Janazah, is recited either at the mosque or graveside. The body, traditionally wrapped in one or two white cloths, is laid directly in the grave, as the use of a coffin is not customary, though some opt for one depending on the situation.

The grave must be raised 4 to 12 inches above the ground to prevent it from being walked or sat on, as this is strictly prohibited in Islam. The practice of levelling graves, common in some cemeteries for ease of maintenance, is also forbidden. Only one body is permitted per grave, and a simple headstone is placed as a marker.