Islamic Burial

Preparing the burial

Once the necessary clearances are available, we coordinate the date and requirements with the cemetery administration. Ghusl, Kafan and the funeral prayer are aligned with the burial schedule.

Islamic burial according to the Qur’an and Sunnah

Burial is not merely an organisational conclusion; it is part of the rights owed to the deceased Muslim. Once the necessary clearances are available, the Janazah should be taken to burial without unnecessary delay. The Prophet ﷺ instructed that the funeral be hastened. See Sahih Muslim 944.

At burial, the deceased is placed on the right side with the face towards the Qiblah, as far as local conditions and cemetery regulations allow. When placing the deceased in the grave, the Sunnah includes the wording “Bismillahi wa ‘ala millati Rasulillah” or “… wa ‘ala sunnati Rasulillah”, reported in Jamiʿ at-Tirmidhi 1046.

At the cemetery

We support the family with the organisational steps on site and coordinate the agreed process with the cemetery and other involved parties.

At the grave: dignity, calm and duʿa

After the deceased has been placed in the grave and the grave is being closed, those present may take part in putting earth onto the grave. Abu Hurairah رضي الله عنه reported that the Prophet ﷺ placed three handfuls of earth on a grave after a Janazah; reported in Sunan Ibn Majah 1565 (hasan).

After burial, it is authentically reported to ask Allah to forgive the deceased and grant steadfastness. ʿUthman ibn ʿAffan رضي الله عنه narrated that the Prophet ﷺ instructed those present to seek forgiveness and steadfastness for their brother because he was then being questioned. Sunan Abi Dawud 3221 (sahih).

Islamic rites and local cemetery requirements

Islamic burial rites are at the heart of our work. We ensure that the burial is carried out according to the Qur’an and Sunnah and coordinate the organisational framework with the respective cemetery administration at an early stage. In doing so, we work to ensure that the religious requirements and the dignity of the deceased are preserved.

Muslim burial sections

Many cities have Muslim burial sections or suitable options. Current availability depends on local cemetery rules and capacity.

Accompanying the Janazah – a great reward

Accompanying the Janazah is among the established practices of the Sunnah and among the rights of a Muslim over another Muslim. According to authentic reports, the one who attends the funeral prayer and accompanies the Janazah receives one qirāt of reward; the one who remains until the burial is completed receives two qirāts. The Prophet ﷺ described this reward as immense, like great mountains.

Sources: Sahih al-Bukhari 1325; Sahih Muslim 945.

Women attending the funeral procession

Women may take part in the funeral prayer. Regarding following the Janazah to the burial, scholars have held different views. Umm ʿAtiyyah رضي الله عنها reported: “We were forbidden to follow funeral processions, but it was not imposed upon us strictly.” The report is authentic and is recorded by al-Bukhari and Muslim. Based on this wording, many scholars regard following the procession for women as disliked (makruh), while other scholars adopt a stricter view.

Sources: Sahih al-Bukhari 1278; Sahih Muslim 938.