1. Theological Foundations & Immediate Actions
In Islamic tradition, life on Earth is a temporary trial. Muslims believe that good deeds in life lead to entry into Paradise on the Day of Judgment (the Last Day). Until that day, the deceased remain in their tombs, experiencing either peace or suffering based on their earthly actions.
When Death is Imminent
- Presence: Family members and close friends should remain present to offer kindness, hope, and reassurance.
- The Shahada: Encourage the dying person to softly recite the Shahada: “La ilaha illallah” (Confirming there is no God but Allah).
- Immediately Upon Death: Attendees must state: “Inna lillahi wa inna ilayhi raji’un” (“Verily we belong to Allah, and truly to Him shall we return”). Gently close the eyes and lower the jaw of the deceased, cover the entire body with a clean sheet, and offer Dua (supplications) asking Allah to forgive their sins.
Timing, Logistics & Legal Considerations
- Timing: According to Islamic law (Shariah), the body must be buried as soon as possible from the time of death.
- Organ Donation: Generally acceptable in Islam, following the Qur’anic mandate: “Whosoever saves the life of one person it would be as if he saved the life of all mankind.” Consult an Imam or Muslim funeral director for case-specific validations.
- Autopsies: Routine autopsies are not acceptable as they are viewed as a desecration of the human body. The family maintains the legal right to refuse a routine autopsy unless mandated by law.
2. Ghusl (Ritual Washing) Specifications
Perform the ritual washing with the utmost respect, maintaining the privacy and dignity of the deceased.
- Personnel: Close, same-sex family members are highly encouraged to perform the Ghusl. In the event of a spousal death, the surviving spouse is Islamically permitted to perform the wash.
- Modesty Protection (Satar): The awrah (private parts) must remain covered throughout the process using dedicated covering sheets.
- Frequency & Sequence: The body must be washed an odd number of times (at least 3 times, or 5, 7, etc., if extra cleaning is required) in the following order: (1) Upper right side, (2) Upper left side, (3) Lower right side, (4) Lower left side.
- Final Rinse & Drying: Camphor or suitable perfume may be infused into the water for the final wash. The body must be gently dried using a clean towel and immediately covered with a clean sheet.
- Female-Specific Requirements: Hair must be loosened, thoroughly washed, combed, and braided into three distinct braids placed behind her back. If the deceased was undergoing menstruation or post-birth bleeding (Nifas), appropriate padding must be applied to prevent any leakage.
3. Kaffan (Shroud) Material & Sizing Criteria
Shrouding materials must be cut from simple, inexpensive, non-stitched, white fabric. Silk, embroidery, and gold materials are strictly prohibited. Before wrapping, the deceased’s left hand should rest directly on the chest, and the right hand should rest on top of the left hand (position of prayer).
Male Kaffan Requirements (3 White Sheets & 4 Tie Ropes)
| Layer | Component | Target Coverage | Dimensions |
| No. 1 | Satar (During Ghusl) | Covers private parts from the navel to below the knees during washing. | 150cm × 120cm |
| No. 2 | Satar (After Ghusl) | Covers private parts post-washing; removed once Qamees is applied. | 150cm × 120cm |
| No. 3 | Lifafah (Chadar) | Outermost layer wrapping the whole body. Laid down first. | 240cm L × 150-180cm W |
| No. 4 | Izaar (Chadar) | Inner sheet covering from head to toe. Laid down second. | 180cm L × 150-180cm W |
| No. 5 | Qamees (Shirt) | Third layer covering shoulder to knees. Laid down third. | 240cm L (Folded in ½) × 90cm W |
Female Kaffan Requirements (5 White Garments & 4 Tie Ropes)
| Layer | Component | Target Coverage | Dimensions |
| No. 1 | Satar (During Ghusl) | Covers from above the breast to the ankles during washing. | 150cm × 120cm |
| No. 2 | Satar (After Ghusl) | Covers post-washing; removed once Qamees is applied. | 150cm × 120cm |
| No. 3 | Lifafah (Chadar) | Outermost wrapping sheet covering the whole body. Laid first. | 240cm L × 150-180cm W |
| No. 4 | Sinaband | Body wrap covering from under the armpits to the thighs. | 180cm-225cm L × 90cm W |
| No. 5 | Izaar (Chadar) | Inner sheet covering from head to toe. Laid down second. | 180cm L × 150-180cm W |
| No. 6 | Qamees (Shirt) | Third layer covering shoulder to knees. Laid down third. | 240cm L (Folded in ½) × 90cm W |
| No. 7 | Orni (Veil) | Head veil covering the head and hair over the breast. | 140cm L × 90cm W |
Step-by-Step Shrouding Procedure
- Preparation: Lay down the fabric tie strips. Spread out the wrapping sheets sequentially from bottom to top: Lifafah first, then Izaar, then the Qamees. For females, incorporate the Sinaband and Orni.
- Transfer & Dressing: Place the deceased on their back onto the prepared layout. Position the hands (right over left on the chest). For women, dress the body in the ankle-length sleeveless dress and head veil. Apply perfume directly to the prostration points (forehead, nose, hands, knees, feet).
- Wrapping & Securing: Fold the right side of the sheets tightly over the deceased, followed by the left side, layering them sequentially. Fasten the shroud firmly using 4 tie ropes (above head, around body, below feet).
4. Salatul Janazah (Funeral Prayer) Protocol
Salatul Janazah is a collective obligation (Fard Kifayah) performed by the community. It is traditionally held outside the main prayer hall, such as a courtyard or separate funeral prayer room. Congregants must have full ritual purity (Wudu) and face the Qiblah.
- The Rows: The congregation must form a minimum of three straight lines. The closest male relative stands in the front line, followed by men, then children, then women.
- Imam Position: Directly aligned with the head of a male deceased, and with the middle/waist of a female deceased. If multiple bodies are present, female bodies are placed closest to the Qiblah wall, followed by children, then adult males.
- Prayer Structure (No Ruku or Sujud): Consists of 4 Takbeers (“Allahu Akbar”) with raised hands: (1) Recite Thana and Surah Al-Fateha; (2) Recite Durood-e-Ibrahim; (3) Heartfelt supplication for the deceased’s forgiveness; (4) Brief general Dua and conclude with Tasleem to the right and left.
5. Burial Regulations & Etiquette
- Grave Logistics: The grave must be dug perpendicular (horizontal) to the direction of the Qiblah. Traditionally, only men attend the physical burial, though some communities permit all mourners at the gravesite. Coffin burials are disallowed unless legally required.
- Placement: The body is lowered carefully, entering from where the feet will rest, and placed on its right side facing the Qiblah, supported by packed earth. Those lowering the body recite:
“Bismillah wa ala millati rasulil lah” (In the name of Allah and in the faith of the Messenger of Allah).
- Closing the Grave: Undo the fabric knots at the head and feet. Place a firm protective barrier of wood or stones over the cavity before filling. Every attendee places three handfuls of soil into the grave.
- Finishing & Monuments: Build up the grave earth into a simple convex shape. A small stone or marker may be used for identification. It is strictly prohibited to erect large monuments or decorate the grave in an elaborate way.
6. Muslim Mourning Period & Etiquette
- Expressions of Grief: Natural sorrow, crying, and weeping are completely acceptable. Wailing, shrieking, tearing clothing, or expressing anger toward the decree of Allah are strictly forbidden.
- The Widow’s Mourning Period (Iddah): Widows must observe a formal mourning period of four months and ten days, during which they are prohibited from interacting with or dressing up for na-mahram men (potential marriage partners). These rules may be completely overlooked in cases of emergency or necessity (e.g., medical visits).
For reference videos, please visit one of the links given below for educational purposes: