Muslim Traditions
Islamic Beliefs and Funeral Traditions
In Islam, death is regarded as a transition from one state of being to another. Islamic practitioners, also called Muslims, believe that actions in this life determine how you will spend your next. Those who lived virtuously and followed the teaching of the Koran will be rewarded in the afterlife. To prepare for an Islamic funeral, the body of the deceased is dressed in white and positioned to face Mecca, which is the holy center of Islam. An Imam presides over the service and reads from the Koran. There is usually no open casket. After the body is buried at a quiet graveside service, guests generally gather at the house of the family of the deceased.
Respecting Islamic Beliefs and Customs
O'Connor Mortuary has cared for people from different cultures and religions since 1898. In that time, we’ve coordinated many services for our Persian families. Our friendly, experienced staff can help you create a funeral ceremony that honors your Islamic beliefs and pays a beautiful tribute to you or your loved ones.
Questions About Islamic Funeral Traditions
Whether you are planning a Muslim funeral ceremony or simply attending, we understand that you may have questions. O’Connor Mortuary is here for you: below, you’ll find answers to common questions regarding Islamic funeral customs. Don’t see what you’re looking for? Our friendly, experienced staff is here to address any other questions you may have. Simply contact us or submit our form to receive additional information. It is our priority to provide you with answers and peace of mind.
01. What type of ceremonies options do I have for my loved one’s funeral?
Our mortuary is committed to honoring cultural traditions and helping your family create the ceremony that would best honor your loved one’s life. Whether your family wants a visitation, funeral ceremony or graveside dedication, our staff will be available to help make the appropriate selections and care for the details.
02. What are appropriate behaviors and customs for Muslim funerals in the United States?
The funeral ceremony is generally held as soon as possible after death. The Islamic ceremony lasts anywhere from 30 to 60 minutes and may take place here at the funeral home or close to the mosque. An Imam presides over the ceremony and reads from the Koran.
If you are not Muslim, you can still plan to attend the funeral and fully participate in the ceremony. Guests are expected to wear black; men do not need to wear head coverings, but women should cover their arms and legs. There is usually no speaking during the burial. Instead, guests pray quietly for the deceased’s soul. After the burial, guests typically visit the family of the deceased’s home to comfort them over a traditional meal.