Traditions

Procedures for Death and Burial

For a quick recap of what to do if some one dies, here is a summary of procedures to be followed:

  • Close the eyes of the deceased.

  • Cover the body with a sheet.
  • Get his loan paid if any.
  • Before washing the body, check for any impurities and remove it. Press lightly the stomach in order to expel any remnants from it if any.
  • Start with ablution.
  • Sidr leaves may be used in the water for washing.
  • Washing should be done at least 3 times or 5 or 7 as required.
  • In the last wash camphor may be used with water.
  • For females the hair after washing should be combed, braided in 3 braids and then placed behind her back.

  • Private parts of the deceased should be concealed all the time with a sheet of cloth during washing.
  • The shrouding (Kafan) consists of 3 wrapping sheets for a male and 5 for a female (white recommended).
    1. Outer Sheet (for both).
    2. Upper body (for both).
    3. Lower Body (for both).
    4. Under arm pits to thighs (for females).
    5. Cover for head and hair (for females).
  • It is recommended that those who performed the washing should take a bath afterwards.
  • For janaza prayers, the Imam should stand by the middle of a female body, and by the head for a male body.
  • Janaza prayer has no Rukuh, Sujud, Athan, or Iqama. There are four Takbeers in this prayer:
    1. After 1st Takbeer – Recite Thana and Surah Fatiha like in normal prayers.
    2. After 2nd Takbeer – Recite Durood like it is done in normal prayers.
    3. After 3rd Takbeer – Supplicate for the deceased.
    4. After 4th Takbeer – Make Salam to finish the prayers like it is done in normal prayers.
  • Supplications for the deceased are as under:

   

  • Recite both or any one of the above supplications in the prayers of janaza.
  • If deceased is a child it is recommended to recite the following supplication:

  • One closest to the deceased should lay the body in the grave, feet first.
  • While laying the body in the grave following should be recited:

  • The grave should not be higher than one Balisht (space from the thumb to the end of the little finger when extended).
  • It is forbidden to plaster the grave or construct anything over it.
  • After burial supplicate for the deceased.