Ensuring the teachings of our beloved Prophet Muhammad (P.B.U.H) and his Family are adhered to every step of the way.
Understandably, the thought of post-death obligations can seem overwhelming and daunting to most, and so our team is dedicated to providing a compassionate service that adheres to the Islamic rites and customs, and to guide and support you every step of the way.
Quran 21:35
كُلُّ نَفْسٍۢ ذَآئِقَةُ ٱلْمَوْتِ ۗ وَنَبْلُوكُم بِٱلشَّرِّ وَٱلْخَيْرِ فِتْنَةًۭ ۖ وَإِلَيْنَا تُرْجَعُونَ
Every soul will taste death. And We test you with evil and with good as trial; and to Us you will be returned.
Here are the steps our team takes to ensure the post-death procedures are conducted in accordance with Islamic rites and customs.
Ghusl Process
It is wajib to give three Ghusls to a Muslims dead body
- This is undertaken at our on-site facilities
- The body is first washed with water and sidr
- The body is then washed with water and camphor
- The body is then washed with clean water
Ghusl is required for those who touch a deceased body after it has gone cold.
The quantity of “Sidr” leaves or camphor should neither be so much that the water becomes mixed (Mudhaf), nor so little that it may be said that “Sidr” leaves or camphor has not been added in it.
Sidr is a natural plant-based cleanser that has been traditionally used to cleanse the body of the deceased before burial. It has antiseptic and purifying properties. Sidr leaves or powder are mixed with water to create a liquid solution that is then used to wash the body of the deceased
Camphor is a substance extracted from the wood of the camphor tree. It is used as a purifying agent and is added to water used to wash the body of the deceased before burial. It has antibacterial and antifungal properties and helps to mask any unpleasant odours that may arise from the decomposition of the body.
Tahnit Process
Tahnit is the process of applying camphor powder on the seven parts of the body which make contact with the ground during prostration.
The parts of the body that the camphor is applied to are:
- The forehead
- The palm of both hands
- Both knees
- Both big toes
Kaafan Process
After the ghusl and tahnit, the body is then wrapped in three main white sheets called kaafan. The Kaafan ensures the full body of the deceased is covered before being put into the grave.
It is considered as a symbol of equality in death, reminding the living that they are all equal before Allah swt regardless of their worldly status. The use of the kaafan also serves as a reminder that the material possessions of this world are temporary and will not accompany us in the hereafter. Additionally, the act of shrouding the deceased in a simple white cloth demonstrates humility and encourages the living to focus on the spiritual aspects of life.
Salat al mayet
Salat al Mayet is obligatory to be completed for all Muslims who have passed away prior to their burial.
The body is placed in front of the Imam for prayer with the head on the right side and that the right shoulder is facing the Qibla.
The Imam then leads the prayer. The Salat has no Ruku or Sujuud. It is prayed in a standing position. There are five Takbirs with recitations after each Takbir.
The salah will be held at either Al Zahra mosque or the graveyard.
Please note wudu is not required for this salah as per Islamic rulings
Burial Process
After the salah has been offered, if not already at the graveyard, the body will be transported in a coffin to the graveyard by our transportation service.
Upon arrival, the coffin will be lifted by mourners and slowly carried to the grave location, where the coffin is momentarily placed on the ground then lifted three times and continued to be carried to the grave, during which mourners chant “la illaha illa Allah”.
Upon arrival at the grave location, the shrouded body will be lifted out of the coffin and placed in the grave plot, in the direction of the qibla.