Death in Islam

Death in Islam If possible, before a Muslim dies, the call to prayer should be

whispered into the persons ear. Just as this happened at birth, so

Allah should be the last word a Muslim hears before death.

After death Muslims believe the soul waits in barzakh, (place of

waiting for Judgement Day). When judgement comes God will deal with

everyone according to their actions. After judgement the dead will be

restored to their bodies, hence Muslims will not cremate their dead.

As soon as possible after death the body is given a ritual washing

called Ghusl. This is to wash away all sin so the body can meet Allah

in a pure state. The body is anointed with perfumes and spices and

wrapped in white cloth, usually the Ihram clothes used for the Hajj.

This ritual is the same for rich and poor, in death, Muslims believe

all are equal.

The funeral must be simple and inexpensive. A coffin should not be

used, unless required by the local authorities, it is a waste of

natural resources. The body must be buried with the face turned

towards the Kab'ah in Mecca (the house of Allah).

When Muslims are dying, they recite the Islamic declaration of faith,

the Shahada:

There is no God but Allah and Muhammad is the Messenger of Allah.

They may try to say the last words of Muhammad (peace be upon him):

Allah, help me through the hardship and agony of death.

The dead person's body is washed and wrapped in white cloth. Muslims

prefer not to use a coffin.

Muslims try to bury the dead person as fast as possible, within 24

hours.

Bodi...

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... say a prayer. People in both of these cultures show respect for other

people's loved ones when they die.

Said commented, "the burial must be done on the same day of death or

the following day, but their are some exceptions." A nighttime hurried

burial is not approved (Ennahid, 3). When it actually comes time to

put the body in the grave, it is placed in the grace by the nearest

relative. Muslims always make sure the body is buried facing Mecca

(Ennahid, 3). Following their tendency, they place the body on its

right side (Riad, 4).

According to Islam the good people welcome death as a rite passage to

a better existence in the hereafter. They look forward to death, as a

happy event. The wish for death can be negative for the escapist who

looks to death as a relief from present psychological or physical

distress.