In Islam, funeral services are instructed to take place as soon as possible. 

 

Narrated Abu Huraira: The Prophet (ﷺ) said, "Hurry up with the dead body for if it was righteous, you are forwarding it to welfare; and if it was otherwise, then you are putting off an evil thing down your necks."

 

A set number of steps need to be followed. 

 

Bathing of the Deceased

 

First is the bathing of the corpse in a clean and private place where clean water and soap are available. One should use gloves while handling and washing the deceased and the body of the deceased should be washed with water and, if available, lotus leaves, or camphor (to be used in the final wash). The steps of the washing should be done an odd number of times (at least once) with a cloth covering its awrah (parts of the body that should be hidden according to Sharia).

 

Shrouding of the Corpse

 

The next step is the shrouding of the corpse which should take place immediately after washing the body of the deceased. If it is ordered to use a plain, inexpensive cloth (the kafan) to wrap the corpse in which is why many Muslims prefer to use a white cotton cloth to serve as the shroud. Men may use only three pieces of cloth and women five pieces of cloth.

 

Funeral prayer

 

Salat al-Janazah (Funeral prayer) is the prayer for the deceased. Salatul Janazah is said silently, except the Takbeer and Tassleem. All conditions for regular Salat are required in Salatul Janazah such as Tahara, Wudu, clean body and clothes, neeyah (intention), and facing the Qiblah. There are specific times when it is prohibited to perform Salatul Janazah, unless it becomes necessary, due to the condition of the body, to perform it quickly and then bury the body.

 

The Burial

 

Muslims should be buried in cemeteries that are devoted for the use of Muslims only. The grave should always be perpendicular (horizontal) to the direction of Qiblah. Those who enter the body of the deceased in the grave should say : (Bismilllah wa ala millati rasulil llah), which means: " In the name of Allah and in the faith of the Messenger of Allah". After the burial, others may stay in the cemetery for a while and make dua for the deceased, since he is being questioned by the Angels.

 

Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) said : "Make dua’ of Istighfar (supplicate for forgiveness) for your brother and request steadfastness for him because he is now being questioned " (Abu Dawood).

 

Mourning 

 

Loved ones and relatives are to observe a three-day mourning period whereas widows observe an extended mourning period of four months and 10 days long, in which she is not allowed to wear fancy bright clothes, wear jewelry, use makeup including eyeliners, use perfume or remarry or to interact with non-mahram.