Ghusl and janazah

Ghusl is the ritual washing of a Muslim who has died, carried out by family members or others of the same sex, before the person is wrapped in a plain white shroud (kafan). Janazah, or salat al-janazah, is the funeral prayer the community says together before the burial. Islamic practice asks for burial as soon as possible, so families often need the registration and paperwork done quickly.

Ghusl and the kafan

The washing is done privately and with care, an odd number of times and at least once, with the private area kept covered throughout; many families wash three times. Many mosques and Muslim funeral directors have a washing room and people trained to lead it, and relatives can take part. Where no family is present, elders of the community can carry it out. The kafan is three sheets of white cloth for a man, and five pieces for a woman, including a head scarf.

The janazah prayer

Salat al-janazah is a communal obligation, fard kifaayah, offered by adult Muslims at a mosque, at the cemetery or in an open space. It has four takbirs, the words Allahu Akbar, and no bowing or prostration. The burial follows the prayer.

Making time for both

Islam asks for burial ideally within 24 hours. In England and Wales, a medical examiner reviews the cause of death and the death is registered, or the coroner gives permission, before any funeral can take place. The Chief Coroner’s guidance asks coroners to give due regard to a request for a quick decision on religious grounds, so ask clearly and early, and explain why.

If the burial is abroad

The ghusl and the shroud can still be done in the UK by the family or the community, before the coffin is sealed for travel. The janazah can be prayed here before departure, at home after arrival, or both. Embalming is often a requirement of the carriers and the destination, which many families find difficult; see embalming.