Muslim Funeral Traditions & Etiquette: Attire, Meaning, Practices

Beliefs and Meaning of Muslim Funerals

In Islam, death is not viewed as an end, but a transition into the after life.

Death is planned by God and is “to be accepted as part of the overall divine plan”,[1] and when the Day of Resurrection arrives, all bodies will be resurrected, and everyone judged for their actions on earth. Death is thus a transitionary phase in between life and Judgement Day.

Muslim funerals are centered around preparing the body of the deceased for physical resurrection on Judgement Day,[2] and a key aspect is that burials are to take place as soon as possible – preferably within 24 hours of death.[3]

After-Death & Muslim Funeral Procedure

1) Washing and Shrouding the body

Preparation of the body after death can be performed at home or at a mosque, where family members of the deceased (of the same gender) will aid in washing and drying the body, with the help of a religious teacher if present.

The body will then be covered in pieces of white cloth, which is coated with camphor, sandalwood and perfume.

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2) Muslim Funeral Prayers

Following washing and burying, prayers would take place either at home or at the mosque. Family members and visitors, while facing Mecca, would perform the Janazah Prayer, which seeks to pardon the deceased and all dead Muslims.[4]

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3) Muslim Burial

After the prayers,the body is brought to the burial site, and lowered into the ground without a coffin. The grave should be perpendicular to Mecca. A prayer is said while the body is being lowered, and attendees can throw handfuls of soil into the grave.[5]

Simple grave-markers are preferred, as tombstones are considered too elaborate.[6]

Cremationsare forbidden in the Islamic faith, given their belief in a physical resurrection.

Learn more about burials in Singapore more generally here.

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4) Post-Burial Mourning Period

Muslim families observe a mourning period. In the first three days, members of the community should bring visit to the family and express their condolences.

The families would refrain from wearing any decorative or expensive clothing or jewelry during this period.

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Attending a Muslim Funeral - Etiquette

1) Dress Conservatively - Funeral Attire

Attendees of a Muslim funeral should be dressed conservatively, with apparel that covers their arms and legs.

Men should be dressed in a shirt and trousers, while women in a long-sleeved shirt, and ankle-length skirt, and a headscarf. Clean socks should be worn by all.

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2) Quiet Mourning

Muslims believe in a quiet mourning, so refrain from any loud expressions or sacrilegious comments.

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3) Donations

Donations are voluntary, and of chief importance is to be sincere in aiding the family. Donations can be given in an envelope. Avoid shaking hands with the mourning family.

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4) No Photography or Video

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5) Condolence Flowers are not advised

Wakes are not held in Muslim culture thus flowers are not appropriate.

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6) Respect their beliefs, regardless of yours

As with all other religious funerals, please respect the beliefs and traditions of the funeral, regardless of your beliefs. Understanding the meaning behind proceedings aids one in respecting and engaging with them to commemorate the deceased in the way they wanted.

Your presence, empathy and respect will go a long way in remembering and honouring the deceased and provide comfort to their next-of-kin, knowing that they are not alone in grief.

The average price of a Muslim Funeral in Singapore is $1,489. Compare, filter and sort prices here.

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