Islamic Funeral Service and History

Who was Mohammed?

The last prophet of islam

How was Mohammed given the instructions of islam?

through the archangel Gabriel, who dictated the word of God

Define Allah

proper name for God in the Islamic faith

What are the instructions given to Mohammed by Gabriel known as?

the Koran (Qur’an)

Define Koran (Qur’an)

the holy book of Islam

What does the Koran (Qur’an) speak of?

caring for the poor, a day of judgment and bodily resurrection.

What type of religion is Islam?

Monotheistic

What happens at the time of death in the Islamic faith?

• eyes of the deceased are closed, lower jaw bound and body covered by those present

• Imam of local Mosque often contacts the funeral director

• Ghusl takes place

Define imam

spiritual leader in the Islamic faith

Define mosque

Local Islamic religious facility containing no icons, statues, symbols, pews, chairs or musical instruments

Are embalming/autopsies permitted for Muslims?

No, unless required by law

Define Ghusl (Al-Ghusl)

practical and ceremonial washing of the body

What happens during the Ghusl?

• The body is washed an odd number of times, at least 3

• Men wash men; women wash women

• Husbands/wives may wash spouse or children

• Entire body is shrouded in the Kafan

• Prayers said for the deceased (recited in Arabic to Allah)

What supplies do funeral homes typically keep in the prep room for Muslim funerals?

towels, pitchers, soap, disposable gowns/gloves, camphor

Define Kafan

burial cloth

What are the Kafan garments?

Garments (white muslin) with a specific number of sheets (3 men; 5 women)

How is casketing done for a Muslim funeral?

• Body is placed in a casket or may be buried un-casketed if cemetery allows

• Head is turned so that upon burial it is facing Qiblah

Define Qiblah

direction of Mecca, where Muslims face during prayers

What do Islamic cemeteries do for Muslim funerals?

They will have graves dug appropriately so the body is positioned toward Mecca

When should a Muslim service happen?

as quickly as possible after Kafan

Does the FD typically go into the mosque during a Muslim funeral service?

No

Define Janazah

Islamic funeral service and prayer

How is the Islamic Janazah conducted?

• Imam will stand closest to deceased and lead

• Loud expressions of emotion are considered disrespectful

• Will be very brief, only a few minutes

Where is the Islamic Janazah held?

in the Musalla or outside the Mosque

Define Musalla

prayer room

When does burial for a Muslim happen?

• immediately following Janazah

• Should be avoided at certain times of day when other prayers are required

Where should Muslims be buried?

in a Muslim cemetery if possible

Are vaults used for Muslim burials?

No, unless its a cemetery requirement

Define Mecca (Qiblah)

the holiest city in the Islamic faith; Muslims are buried facing this city.

Whats another word for mosque?

Masjid

Define Islam

The religion of Muslims (Moslems) that began at the time of Mohammed (Muhammad); Muslims believe that Islam stands for purity, peace, submission to God’s (Allah’s) will, and obedience to his laws.

Define Muslin (moslem)

The name given to a member of the Islamic faith

Define Mohammed

Last prophet of the Islamic region born 571 C.E. (A.D.); considered by Muslims to be God’s messenger but not worshipped or considered to be divine.