Before the burial can take place, certain legal requirements must be met including: receiving a Medical Certificate, a Formal Notice signed by a doctor regarding the death, and the release of the body with a Certificate for Burial by Hospital staff and medical personnel.

From there, arranging the burial is a priority. Burying a loved one can be a difficult process for a family but as followers of Islam, it is imperative to understand the rules and regulations of burial as outlined the Quran, Sunnah, and Shariah (Islamic law) when taking care of your loved ones. You must strive to ensure the following after the passing of your loved ones:

• That the burial of the deceased is not delayed
• That the body is washed and properly covered in in white in accordance with Shariah, immediately after death or as soon as possible
• That the body is transported to the graveyard, preferably within two days of the individual’s passing
• That the limbs and orientation of the body are in accordance with Islamic law

If you are attending the burial of a friend or loved one, there are certain adab (etiquette) to follow as well:

• Avoid discussion during the time of the burial
• Engage in prayer for the deceased
• Respectfully tending to the family as needed

If you are unsure or have questions about the process of burial or attending a funeral, please contact us for more information.

Narrated 'Amir bin Rabi'a:
The Prophet said,

If any one of you see a funeral procession and he is not going along with it, then he should stand and remain standing till he gets behind it, or it leaves him behind, or the coffin is put down before it goes ahead of him.

Volume 2, Book 23, Number 395

Narrated Abu Huraira:
The Prophet said,

Hurry up with the dead body for if it was righteous, you are forwarding it to welfare; and if it was otherwise, then you are putting off an evil thing down your necks.

Volume 2, Book 23, Number 401