DEATH AND BURIALIN
ISLAM
CULTURAL, HISTORICAL, AND ETHICAL PERSPECTIVES
Course: BNBM 1132 Health Psychology
Lecturer: Wan Norfaisal Amri Wan Noridan
Group:
1) MD ANIS MAHAHUD-
202409010252
2) SADDAM HUSSEIN CIGEH-
202405010198
3) MOHAMED MOHAMEDALAMIN
ALBASHIR ALAMIN- 202409010663
2.
INTRODUCTION
Death isa significant event in all cultures and religions.
In Islam, death is viewed as a transition from this life to the hereafter (Akhirah).
Burial practices in Islam are deeply rooted in religious beliefs, emphasizing respect and dignity
for the deceased.
This presentation explores:
1) Cultural and religious practices in Islamic
funerals.
2) The historical evolution of Islamic burial
traditions.
3)Ethical considerations in modern Islamic
burials.
3.
ISLAMIC PERSPECTIVE ONDEATH
Death in Islam is seen as a natural and inevitable part of life.
It marks the transition to the Akhirah (Hereafter), where the soul
faces judgment.
Life and death are in the hands of Allah (Qur'an 67:2):"He who
created death and life to test you as to which of you is best in deed.
"Believers strive for a righteous life to attain Jannah (Paradise).
4.
KEY ISLAMIC BELIEFSABOUT DEATH
Qadr (Divine Decree): Life and death are predetermined by Allah.
Barzakh: The period between death and the Day of Judgment.
The soul is separated from the body and enters a state of waiting.
Resurrection and Judgment Day:
-All humans will be resurrected and judged based on their deeds.
-The righteous are rewarded with Jannah, and the sinful face
punishment.
5.
PREPARATION FOR DEATHIN
ISLAM
•Regular remembrance of death (Tazkiratul Maut) is encouraged to stay mindful of one's actions.
•Acts of worship and good deeds are emphasized:
Salah (prayer)
Zakat (charity)
Hajj (pilgrimage)
•Muslims are encouraged to make will (Wasiyyah) and resolve disputes.
•Seeking forgiveness from Allah and others is vital to prepare for the afterlife.
6.
ISLAMIC FUNERAL RITESOVERVIEW
Islamic funeral rituals are simple and follow the Sunnah (traditions of Prophet Muhammad
)ﷺ.
The primary goal is to ensure a respectful, swift, and dignified burial.
Key steps include:
•Ghusl (ritual washing) of the deceased.
•Kafan (shrouding) in a simple white cloth.
•Salat al-Janazah (funeral prayer).
•Burial in the earth.
7.
GHUSL (RITUAL WASHING)
•Performedby close family members of the same gender or
trained individuals.
•The body is washed an odd number of times (usually three).
•Water is poured gently, ensuring the deceased is treated with care
and respect.
•After washing, the body is perfumed and prepared for shrouding.
8.
KAFAN (SHROUDING)
•The bodyis wrapped in a simple white cloth (kafan) made of cotton.
•Males are typically wrapped in three pieces of cloth, while females in five
pieces.
•The white shroud symbolizes:
Equality in death, as all are buried without distinction of wealth or status.
Purity and preparation for meeting Allah.
•The kafan is tied securely but without covering the face.
9.
SALAT AL-JANAZAH
(FUNERAL PRAYER)
A communal obligation (Fard Kifayah) for Muslims to pray for the deceased. Performed in congregation, usually
at a mosque or prayer area.
Key features of the prayer:
• Four Takbirs (saying "Allahu Akbar").
• Recitation of Al-Fatihah (first chapter of the Qur'an).
• Dua (supplication) for the deceased's forgiveness and for the living.
There is no Rukūʿ (bowing) or Sujūd (prostration) in this prayer.
10.
BURIAL PROCESS
Thedeceased is carried to the graveyard in a respectful manner.
The body is placed in the grave on its right side, facing the Qibla (direction of Mecca).
The grave is filled with soil, and a simple dua (prayer) is recited for the deceased.
A headstone may be placed, but elaborate markers are discouraged in Islam.
Burial is usually completed within 24 hours to honor the deceased.
11.
SIGNIFICANCE OF SIMPLICITYIN
ISLAMIC BURIAL
Equality in Death: All Muslims, regardless of wealth or status, receive a
similar burial.
Humility: Reflects the belief that material possessions have no value in the
afterlife.
Environmental Consideration: Islamic burials are eco-friendly, with no
embalming or coffins required.
Simplicity ensures focus remains on spirituality and prayers for the deceased.
12.
MOURNING PRACTICES INISLAM
•Mourning is observed with patience (Sabr) and submission to Allah’s will.
• Close family members may mourn for up to 3 days.
•Exception: A widow observes a mourning period of 4 months and 10 days (Iddah).
•Practices include:
• Offering duas (supplications) for the deceased.
• Visiting the grave and reflecting on the afterlife.
• Providing charity (Sadaqah) in the name of the deceased.
13.
PROHIBITED MOURNING PRACTICES
•Islamdiscourages excessive grief and practices that show lack of submission to Allah’s decree.
•Prohibited practices include:
• Wailing and loud lamentation.
• Self-harm or tearing clothes in grief.
• Erecting elaborate tombs or mausoleums.
•Emphasis is placed on maintaining dignity and offering prayers for the deceased.
14.
ETHICAL CONSIDERATIONS INISLAMIC BURIAL
•Respect for the Deceased: The body must be handled with care and dignity.
•Timely Burial: Islam emphasizes burial within 24 hours to honor the deceased.
•Prohibition of Cremation: Cremation is not permitted as it goes against Islamic teachings.
•Avoiding Commercialization: Burials should be simple and free from unnecessary expenses or displays
of wealth.
15.
ROLE OF THECOMMUNITY IN ISLAMIC FUNERALS
•Collective Responsibility: Funeral prayers and burial are a Fard Kifayah (communal obligation).
•Community members:
• Offer condolences and support to the grieving family.
• Participate in the Salat al-Janazah and burial.
• Provide meals for the mourning family during the first days of grief.
•Acts of kindness and charity in the deceased’s name benefit their Akhirah (afterlife )
16.
MODERN CHALLENGES INISLAMIC BURIAL PRACTICES
•Legal Restrictions: Some countries impose regulations on burial timelines
or practices.
•Cemetery Space: Urban areas face a shortage of burial space.
•Cultural Assimilation: Balancing traditional Islamic practices with modern
customs.
•Rising Costs: Commercialization of funerals can lead to increased
expenses, conflicting with the Islamic principle of simplicity.
17.
ENVIRONMENTAL CONSIDERATIONS INISLAMIC
BURIALS
•Islamic burial practices are inherently eco-friendly:
• No embalming chemicals.
• Simple biodegradable shrouds.
• No elaborate caskets or vaults.
•Some Muslims advocate for green burials to further reduce environmental impact.
•Preserving nature aligns with the Islamic teaching of being a steward of the Earth (Khalifah).
18.
CONCLUSION
•Islamic death andburial practices emphasize spirituality, simplicity, and dignity.
•The process reflects key Islamic values:
• Equality in death regardless of social or economic status.
• Respect for the deceased and timely burial.
• Importance of community support and prayers for the departed.
•These practices provide comfort to the grieving and maintain a strong connection to faith and the afterlife
(Akhirah).
19.
"Death in Islamis not an end, but a transition to the
eternal life, where deeds and prayers play a vital role."