The Muslim Funeral Checklist — Ghusl Janazah and Burial
For Canadian Muslim families, a funeral follows Islamic tradition with specific rituals — Ghusl (ritual washing), Kafan (shrouding), Janazah prayer, and prompt burial. Community participation is significant.
Step 1 — Immediate contacts
- Contact the local mosque (Imam will coordinate Janazah and may help with logistics)
- Contact a funeral home familiar with Muslim practices (or Muslim-specific funeral service)
- Notify family and Muslim community
- Confirm cemetery (Muslim section or Muslim-only cemetery)
Step 2 — Body care
Same-gender washers. Ghusl performed by same-gender family members or community members. Wife may perform for husband; husband may perform for wife. Otherwise same-gender requirement.
Ghusl (ritual washing):
- Body washed three times with clean water (sometimes additional with camphor)
- Specific protocols followed
- Performed with respect and modesty
- Often at mosque facility, funeral home, or Islamic centre
No embalming. Traditionally not performed.
No autopsy unless required. Autopsy is permitted only when required by law (coroner). Family may discuss with coroner if specific circumstances apply.
Step 3 — Kafan (shrouding)
Plain white cotton cloth wrapping the body:
- Men: Three pieces — sheet for the body, sheet for upper half, sheet for lower half
- Women: Five pieces — including additional pieces for modesty
Same for everyone — represents equality in death and humility before God.
Step 4 — Casket considerations
Traditional Islamic burial: No casket — body in Kafan placed directly in the grave.
Canadian cemetery requirements: Most Canadian cemeteries require a casket or grave liner for sanitation reasons. Many Canadian Muslim cemeteries accommodate this with simple unfinished wood casket.
Muslim scholars on casket: Generally permit a simple casket where required by local law. The principle of avoiding unnecessary expense and ornamentation is maintained.
Step 5 — Janazah prayer
Location: Mosque or at the cemetery before burial.
Duration: Brief — 5-10 minutes typically.
Format: Standing prayer with specific structure:
- Four Takbirs (saying Allahu Akbar)
- After first Takbir: Fatiha (opening chapter of Quran)
- After second Takbir: Salutations on Prophet Muhammad (Salat Ibrahimiyya)
- After third Takbir: Du'a (supplication) for the deceased
- After fourth Takbir: Salam (concluding greeting)
Community obligation: Considered Fard Kifayah — communal obligation. Community is encouraged to attend.
Step 6 — Burial
Location: Muslim section of cemetery or Muslim-only cemetery. Several Canadian cities have Muslim cemeteries; many cemeteries have Muslim sections.
Body positioning: Body placed on right side facing Qibla (direction of Mecca). The grave is oriented so the body naturally faces Mecca.
Burial process:
- Body lowered into grave (with Kafan or in simple casket)
- Specific prayer at lowering
- Family and community members may place handfuls of earth (often with right hand)
- Grave filled
- Brief final prayers
- Marker placed (often simple)
Timing: Burial typically same day if possible; within 24 hours preferred.
Step 7 — After the funeral
Visiting the family. Community visits the family for several days after burial. Bringing food is appropriate. Visits typically include condolences, prayers, and remembrance.
Mourning period (Iddah for widow): Widow observes specific mourning period under Islamic law (typically four months and ten days). Specific religious guidance from Imam.
Specific commemoration dates:
- 3 days after death (sometimes observed)
- 7 days after death (in some traditions)
- 40 days after death (in some traditions)
- Annually
Practices vary by cultural tradition (Arab, South Asian, Persian, Indonesian, etc.) within Islam.
Costs
- Body preparation (Ghusl): Often provided free by community/chevra kadisha equivalent
- Funeral home services: $1,500-4,000 (lower than typical because no embalming, no elaborate casket)
- Simple casket (if cemetery requires): $500-1,500
- Cemetery plot (Muslim section or cemetery): $3,000-10,000
- Reception (if held): $500-2,000
Total typical: $5,000-12,000 — generally lower than non-Muslim Canadian funerals due to simplicity.
What we focus on at It's Simple Will
The Funeral Pre-Planner captures Muslim-specific preferences — mosque, cemetery, specific cultural tradition within Islam (Arab, South Asian, Persian, etc.).
Related guides
Citations & sources
- [1]Islamic Foundation of Toronto — Funeral Services — Islamic Foundation of Toronto
- [2]ISNA Canada — Funerals — Islamic Society of North America Canada
Frequently asked questions
Why burial within 24 hours?
Islamic tradition emphasizes prompt burial as a matter of dignity and religious obligation. Delay only when necessary (waiting for family, coroner clearance, weather). Specific scholarly opinion varies on absolute requirements, but tradition is strong on promptness.
What's the Ghusl?
Ritual washing of the body. Performed by same-gender family members or community members. Three washes traditionally; specific Islamic protocols. Often performed at the mosque, funeral home with washing facility, or Islamic centre.
What's the Kafan?
Plain white cloth shrouding the body. Men typically three pieces; women typically five pieces. Simple white cotton. Represents equality in death.
Is a casket required?
Islamic tradition uses no casket — direct burial with the body in the Kafan. Many Canadian cemeteries require a simple casket or grave liner for sanitation. Some Canadian Muslim cemeteries accommodate traditional direct burial; others require a simple wooden casket. Islamic scholars generally permit a simple casket where required by local law.
What's the Janazah prayer?
Salat al-Janazah — the funeral prayer. Performed standing (no bowing or prostration). Brief — typically 5-10 minutes. Held at the mosque or at the cemetery before burial. Community is encouraged to attend; considered a communal obligation (Fard Kifayah).
Is cremation permitted?
No — cremation is forbidden in Islam. Burial is required. Donating the body to science or organ donation are subjects of scholarly debate; specific religious guidance varies.