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Islam

Muslim funerals

A Muslim funeral (janazah) is a burial — Islam does not permit cremation. The body is washed (ghusl), wrapped in a simple white shroud (kafan), the congregational funeral prayer (Salat al-Janazah) is said, and burial takes place as soon as possible, ideally within 24 hours, with the person laid on their right side facing Makkah.

Key facts

Burial or cremationBurial only — cremation is not permitted
How soonAs soon as possible, ideally within 24 hours of death
PreparationRitual washing (ghusl) by family or community members of the same sex, then a white shroud (kafan)
ServiceSalat al-Janazah — a standing congregational prayer, usually at a mosque
GraveBody placed on its right side facing the Qibla (Makkah); many UK cemeteries have dedicated Muslim sections
MourningUsually three days; a widow observes iddah (4 months and 10 days)

What happens at a Muslim funeral

When a Muslim dies, family and community move quickly. The eyes are closed, the body is covered, and arrangements are made for washing and burial as soon as the legal paperwork allows. Many families contact their local mosque or a Muslim funeral service first — they often coordinate the ghusl, shroud, prayer and burial together.

  1. Ghusl (washing) — the body is washed an odd number of times by people of the same sex (a spouse may also wash their partner).
  2. Kafan (shroud) — plain white cloth, traditionally three pieces for a man and five for a woman.
  3. Salat al-Janazah — the funeral prayer is said standing, without bowing or prostration, usually after one of the daily prayers at the mosque.
  4. Burial — the body is lowered with the face turned towards the Qibla. Mourners may each place three handfuls of earth into the grave.

Muslim funerals in the UK: practical points

  • Speed and paperwork: tell the doctor, medical examiner or coroner’s office as early as possible that you need an urgent release for religious reasons. Many areas have out-of-hours arrangements for faith burials.
  • Cemeteries: most large towns and cities have council cemeteries with Muslim sections laid out facing Makkah, and some areas have dedicated Muslim burial grounds. Rules on coffins vary — some cemeteries allow shroud-only burial, others require a coffin.
  • Post-mortems: if a coroner needs to investigate, you can ask whether a non-invasive (CT/MRI) post-mortem is available locally.
  • Repatriation: many families bury loved ones in Pakistan, Bangladesh, Somalia, Nigeria or elsewhere. In England and Wales the coroner must be notified before a body is moved abroad, and you will need the right documents and an airline booking arranged by a specialist.
  • Headstones: Islamic tradition favours simple, modest graves. Check the cemetery’s memorial rules before ordering.

Every family and community is different. Use this as a starting point, follow the wishes of the person who died, and ask their faith leader or community for guidance.

Prayer times and giving in their memory

The janazah prayer is usually held at the mosque straight after one of the five daily prayers, so families often let people know which prayer to attend. You can check prayer times for your town or city to see when the congregation will gather.

Many Muslim families give sadaqah (charity) on behalf of the person who has died, often as sadaqah jariyah — ongoing charity such as a well, a school or medical care that continues to benefit others. For example, World Aid Network lets families fund sight-restoring cataract surgery or clean water in someone’s name. If you’d like to give, you can compare Muslim charities and check how they spend donations. More on giving in someone’s memory.

Etiquette for guests

What to wear

Modest, loose clothing covering arms and legs. Women usually cover their hair in the mosque. Shoes are removed in the prayer hall.

What to say

“Inna lillahi wa inna ilayhi raji’un” (“To God we belong and to Him we return”), or simply offer condolences and prayers for the person who died.

Flowers and gifts

Flowers are not traditional. Practical help — especially bringing food to the family during the first days — is valued.

Muslim funeral services near you

Local guides listing mosques, specialist funeral directors and burial or cremation options:

All Muslim funeral directors in the UK →

Frequently asked questions

Can Muslims be cremated?
No. Islam requires burial, so a Muslim funeral is always a burial rather than a cremation.
How quickly does a Muslim burial take place in the UK?
Families aim to bury within 24 hours where possible. In practice it depends on how quickly the death can be certified or released by the medical examiner or coroner, so let them know early that the burial is urgent for religious reasons.
Can women attend a Muslim burial?
Practice varies between communities and mosques. Women commonly attend the janazah prayer, and some communities also welcome women at the graveside. Ask the mosque or family.
Do you need a coffin for a Muslim burial in the UK?
It depends on the cemetery. Some UK cemeteries allow burial in a shroud only; others require a coffin, which may be opened or used only for carrying. Check with the cemetery or a Muslim funeral director.

Other traditions