Funeral

UPDATE FROM: Wembley Central Masjid

Assalaamu Alaikum,

Wembley Central Masjid has recently completed the building of their Ghusl khana and Mortuary facilities.

Alhamdulillah the community rallied together in supporting this project which cost us £120,000 and was successfully completed on Wednesday 20/4/2022.

We now require a New Private Ambulance for our funeral services to become fully operational. We need to raise a further £69,000.

Having researched a number of options the decision has been taken to purchase a new Mercedes Benz Vito Van. The van will need to be modified for the purpose of serving the community as a funeral service hearse.

We know these are difficult times but request that you donate whatever amount you can towards this humble cause. InshaAllah it will be a means of sadaqah jariyah for you and your families, especially in these last 10 days of Ramadan.

Contact details for any enquiries you may have:

Email: wembleycentralmasjid@gmail.com
Contact Name: Brother Mehboob 07939 239238

Donation details:

Bank: Barclays Bank
Acc. Name: Wembley Central Masjid
Sort code: 20-01-89
Acc. No.10670650
Reference: [Your name]/van

Please keep us in your duas and may Allah SWT reward you in abundance for your contributions.

Introduction

Muslims believe that death is the end of the life of this world, yet the beginning of the next. In essence, the true life is yet to come as it is eternal. It is at this very moment that Muslims pray for Gods mercy to be with the departed, in hope that they may find peace and happiness in the life to come.

Care for the Dying

When a Muslim is near death, those around him/her are called upon to give comfort, and reminders of Gods mercy and forgiveness. They may recite verses of the Quran, give physical comfort, and encourage the dying one to recite words of remembrance and prayer. It is recommended, if at all possible, for a Muslim’s last words to be the declaration of faith: “ I bear Witness that there is no God but Allah and Muhammad is his messenger.” (However it should be noted that this be done in a very soft manner without enforcing the declaration as it is possible that due to extreme discomfort, pain and disillusion from Satan that the dying individual responds harshly against advice.)

Upon death, those with the deceased are encouraged to remain calm, pray for the departed, and most importantly begin preparations for the burial of the body. The eyes of the deceased should be closed, and the body covered temporarily with a clean sheet. It is forbidden for those in mourning to excessively wail, scream, or thrash about. “Those who tear their clothes and beat their chests (in mourning) are not from us. “Grief is normal when one has lost a loved one, and it is natural and permitted to cry. When the Prophet Muhammad’s (pbuh) own son died, he said: “The eyes shed tears and the heart is grieved, but we will not say anything except which pleases our Lord. ” One should strive to be patient, and remember that Allah (SWT) is the one who gives life and takes it away, at a time appointed by Him. It is not for us to question His wisdom.

Muslims strive to bury the deceased as soon as possible after death, avoiding the need for embalming or otherwise disturbing the body of the deceased. An autopsy may be performed, if necessary (in accordance to the law of the land), but should be done with the utmost respect for the dead.

Washing & Shrouding

In preparation for the burial, the family or other members of the community will wash and shroud the body.

The deceased will be washed respectfully, with clean and scented water, in a manner similar to how Muslims wash in the ritual bath. The body will then be wrapped in sheets of clean, white cloth (called a Kafan).

Three sheets are used for men and five sheets for women.

Funeral Prayers

The Deceased is then transported to the site of the funeral prayers (Salat-l-Janazah). These prayers are commonly held outdoors, in a courtyard, public square or if need be inside the mosque.

The community gathers, and the Imam (prayer leader) stands in front of the deceased, facing away from the worshippers.

The funeral prayer is similar in structure to the five daily prayers, with a few variations. (For example there is no bowing or prostrations).

Burial

The deceased is then taken to the cemetery for the burial. While the members of the community attend the funeral prayers, only the men of the community accompany the body to the gravesite. It is preferred for a Muslim to be buried where he or she died, and not be transported to another location or country (Which may cause delays or embalming the body).

If available, a cemetery (or section of one) set aside for Muslims is preferred. The deceased is laid in the grave (without a coffin if permitted by local law) on his /her right side, facing Mecca.

At the gravesite, it is discouraged for people to erect tombstones, elaborate markers, or put flowers or other mementos. Rather, one should humbly remember Allah and His Mercy, and pray for the deceased.

Mourning

Loved ones and relatives are to observe a 3- day Mourning period. Mourning is observed in Islam by increased devotion, receiving visitors and condolences.

Widows observe an extended mourning period (Iddah), 4 months and 10 days long, in accordance with the Quran 2:234. During this time, she is not to remarry, move from her home, or wear decorative clothing or jewellery, It is equally important to note that cultural customs should be avoided in the burial rites e.g. Feeding on the 40th day, as only those acts of worship carried out on the behalf of the deceased my benefit him/her that are in accordance with the Quran and Sunnah.

When one dies, everything in this earthly Life is left behind, and there are no more opportunities to perform acts of righteousness not even single litanies.

The Holy Prophet Muhammad (P.B.U.H) once said that there are three things however, which may continue to benefit a person after death: Charity given during life which continues to help others, Knowledge for which people continue to benefit, and a righteous child who prays for the deceased.