Treatment FAQ

what do people of the muslim faith believe about the treatment of the body after death?

by Gaetano Hackett Published 2 years ago Updated 1 year ago
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Muslims believe that the deceased retains awareness. As a result the body must be handled gently and prepared for burial in a specific manner.

Cremation. Cremation is forbidden in Islam. The Quran prohibits the burning or the mutilation of dead bodies, whereas Surah 5:32 affirms: "if anyone saves a life, it would be as if he saves the life of all humanity."

Full Answer

What comes after death according to Islam?

It may be that of all religions, Islam, provides the most graphic details of what comes after death and lies beyond. Islam views death to be a natural threshold to the next stage of existence. Islamic doctrine holds that human existence continues after the death of the human body in the form of spiritual and physical resurrection.

What do Muslims believe about funerals?

The Islamic faith have a unique set of beliefs towards death and dying. This can be seen in their practices and attitudes towards funerals. This article will talk about some of these Muslim funeral traditions. We first discuss what happens before and at the time of death.

Do Muslims believe in the afterlife?

Muslims believe there is another life after death and a belief about what exactly will happen. In fact, acceptance in the Afterlife is one of the six foundations of the Islamic faith.

What is the role of autopsy in Islam?

Autopsy in Islam: Considerations for Deceased Muslims and Their Families Currently and in the Future Religious beliefs and cultures have influenced treatment of dead bodies in different ways by nations throughout history, and attitudes toward the deceased individuals have changed across time and so has the role and mechanism of autopsy.

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What is a Muslim funeral like?

Men and women typically sit separately. Traditionally the women sit at the back.

What is the Muslim daily prayer?

Muslim Daily Prayer. The whole community participates in a Muslim funeral. It’s not unusual for someone to attend the funeral of someone they don’t know well. It’s comprised of prayers, rituals, and rites. Prayers are recited outside the mosque, normally in the courtyard.

How long is the funeral?

The actual funeral service is typically brief. It’s mainly comprised of saying the funeral prayers. There is no eulogy.

What should women wear to a Muslim funeral?

Women’s attire. Proper Funeral Attire for Muslim Women. A woman’s clothing should cover everything but their face and hands. Skirts should go down to the ankles and long sleeve blouses should cover the arms and preferably come up to the neck.

What is the death struggle?

Death struggle. They go through an agonizing period called a death struggle, which is filled with unimaginable agonies. Friends and family gather around and offer the dying person courage, to help them endure the agonies. They chant and encourage the dying person to say “ Shahada ” meaning that Allah is the only God.

What are some examples of haram?

There is a long list of actions that are considered haram, including the practice of cremation. Other examples are: 1 Toys that resemble anything living 2 Drawings or art that resembles humans 3 Dancing 4 Having any animal other than a cat 5 A woman talking louder than a man 6 A woman arguing with her husband

Is a Muslim funeral quiet?

A Muslim funeral is very quiet. There should be no talking to one another. Even the prayers are mainly said silently with only parts of them spoken aloud.

What happens if a Muslim dies?

If Muslims die in circumstances where they do not have relatives or friends, the elders of the Muslim community of the town will arrange for the ritual washing and also the funeral at their own expense.

Why is it important to bury a dead person?

Firstly, it is a religious requirement that the body be buried as quickly as possible. 1 Secondly, it is felt that any person who died was obviously loved by his or her family and if decay sets in, then that loved one could become repulsive (Muslim bodies are not embalmed.). This is particularly important in the hot countries from which most Muslims in the United Kingdom come. Thirdly, Muslim communities are so closely knit that 200-300 people may visit the home of the deceased, often from long distances - many of them eating and sleeping there. (Within a few hours of the death of a Muslim most of the community of that town and indeed of other towns will become aware of this, through relatives and announcements in mosques.) Thus, the longer the body remains unburied the greater the burden and distress to the family.

What should be discussed regarding organ transplantation?

Discussions concerning organ transplantation should be initiated by the transplant team: other professionals have in the past relayed conflicting advice to parents and this has resulted in the patient not being treated. This team should include a liaison officer who works in the Asian community providing advice and support to families of patients needing organ transplantation and also those families whose children have undergone a transplant operation. In Birmingham, parents of children who have had an organ transplant help the team in discussions with prospective transplant families. Emergency blood transfusions are allowed by Islamic law. 6

How long do Muslim women stay in their homes?

Public rites are for men only. According to religious laws a Muslim wife is expected to stay in her home for up to 4 1/2 months after the death of her husband or, if she is pregnant, until pregnancy ends. This is important in establishing that pregnancy was progressing before death of the husband. Most Muslim women in the United Kingdom follow this unless they are, or have now become, breadwinners, in which case there is a religious dispensation.

What is the religious recommendation that an ill person, whether an acquaintance or a stranger, be visited?

This is considered a form of worship and “mercy” is showered on the visitor. Thus a Muslim dying in hospital will have many visitors.

How many people are needed for a funeral?

Usually two people are needed for this procedure, which is carried out by those of the same sex as the deceased, except for a child up to the age of 8 years. Private parts are covered with a sheet and never exposed during the wash. Gloves are usually worn and a sponge used.

What is the purpose of graves dug in Mecca?

Graves are dug in such a way that the face of the deceased faces Mecca. As the body is sacred it should not be abandoned by members of the dead person's family and therefore it is rare for undertakers to be involved in Muslim funerals. Usually a family car or van is used to carry the body to the cemetery.

What is the Islamic view of life after death?

Life After Death: The Islamic View of The Afterlife. Every human being, be it, rich or poor, believer or non-believer, young or old, will all face death. It’s a common thread that unites all of humanity and is an inescapable fact of life. Muslims believe there is another life after death and a belief about what exactly will happen.

What is the Islamic view of the afterlife?

The Islamic view of the Afterlife also takes into account that some believers, though their final destination may be Heaven, will first suffer the punishment of Hell on account of sins for which they did not beg forgiveness. Paradise is a place so beautiful it’s better than anything we can imagine.

What does the Quran say about the last day?

And whoever disbelieves in God, His angels, His books, His messengers, and the Last Day (Day of Judgement) has certainly gone far astray.” [Noble Quran 4:136] In fact, throughout the Quran, belief in God is often stated alongside belief in the Last Day. For example, a common theme is, “If you believe in God and the Last Day…”.

What will happen to believers on the Day of Resurrection?

The Day of Resurrection will happen after God brings the earth to an end. Then we will all be raised from our graves by His command, and thereafter restored to our physical bodies.

What is the path to salvation?

Path to Salvation. There is unbounded hope in God, as evidenced in His final Revelation. The Quran repeatedly makes mention of God’s endless and all-encompassing mercy for His creation. In fact, from among the countless attributes of God, one of them is, All-Merciful.

What will happen on Judgement Day?

On Judgement Day, every man, woman and child who was ever created will be gathered and brought before God. All will face God’s perfect justice, He will leave no deed unaccounted for. Allah said in the Quran, “That Day, the people will depart separated [into categories] to be show [the result of] their deeds.

What does Islam say about the resurrection?

Allah states in the Quran:

What is death in Islam?

Akhirah. References. Death in Islam is the termination of worldly life and the beginning of afterlife. Death is seen as the separation of soul from body, and its transfer from this world to the afterlife. Islamic tradition discusses elaborately, almost in graphic detail, as to what happens before, during, and after the death, ...

What does the Quran say about death?

No matter how much people try to escape death, it will reach everyone (50:19). Again, those who deny resurrection and afterlife, and thus challenge God, the Quran challenges them by saying that why these people then do not put back the soul which has reached the throat (of the dying person) and is about to escape the body? (56:83–84). It also says that when death approaches the sinners and disbelievers, and they sense the upcoming chastisement, they pray to God to go back to life to do some good deeds; but this will never be granted (23:99–100). Probably the most-frequently quoted verse of the Quran about death is: “Every soul shall taste death, and only on the Day of Judgment will you be paid your full recompense .” At another place, the Quran urges mankind: “And die not except in a state of Islam” (3:102) because “Truly, the religion in the sight of Allah is Islam” (3:19). Other verses related with this issue are: “He (Allah) who created death and life, so that He may test you as to which of you is better in deeds. And He is the All-Mighty, the Most-Forgiving” (67:2); “Certainly, they see it (resurrection) as distant, but We see it as near” (70:6–7).

Why does the Quran say "And die not except in a state of Islam"?

At another place, the Quran urges mankind: “And die not except in a state of Islam” (3:102) because “Truly, the religion in the sight of Allah is Islam” (3:19). Other verses related with this issue are: “He (Allah) who created death and life, so that He may test you as to which of you is better in deeds.

What is the meaning of the angel of death?

One canonical idea is, that the angel of death (Arabic: Malak al-Maut) appears to the dying to take out their souls.

What is the time period between death and the end of the world called?

The time period or stage between death and the end of the world is called the life of barzakh. Suicide, euthanasia, and unjust murder as means of death are all prohibited in Islam, and are considered major sins. Believing in an afterlife is one of the six articles of faith in Islam. Yet, the abode of the deceased is up to debate.

What happens when a righteous person dies?

On the other hand, when a righteous believer dies, bright-faced angels from heaven descends with divine perfume and shroud. Then the angels of death comes, and tells the soul to come out to the pleasure and mercy of God. The soul is then extracted as easily as water comes out from the pitcher.

What is the significance of the Islamic faith?

In Islamic belief, God has made this worldly life as a test and a preparation ground for the afterlife; and with death, this worldly life comes to an end.

Why is death scary in Islam?

In Islam, death is only the end of this world, but it is the beginning of an eternal life. Without a doubt, death is scary, because we fear the unknown.

Why do we remember death?

Remembering death is not meant to prevent us from enjoying life, but to put things into perspective. Living life with death, and not running away from it, actually bring quality to life. Many people often look at death through the lens of this worldly life.

Can you escape death?

One cannot escape or outrun death. Death, which you run away from, will certainly meet you.

Who said "The intelligent person is the one who keeps himself in check and prepares for what comes after death"?

The Prophet Muhammad peace be upon him said, “The intelligent person is the one who keeps himself in check and prepares for what comes after death; and the foolish person is the one who follows his desires and places false hope in Allah.” (Tirmidhi).

Will the world end sooner or later?

No matter what one’s beliefs are concerning the hereafter, everyone knows that this world will come to an end sooner or later. With each second and each breath, we get closer to the end of our life on earth. The nature of man is forgetfulness, we forget that we are here temporarily. Since we are certain that we are here for such a short time, why not take the time to reflect on what, if anything, comes next? We all carefully plan for our future. We go to school, choose a career, and work hard to make sure that our future in this world is a good one. However, the only future that is guaranteed to us is death. This is not to be morbid or depressing, but this is a fact of life. We often get stuck in the day to day rat race that we forget to ponder over the fleeting nature of this world and how our life in it will eventually come to an end.

What do Muslims believe about a deceased person?

Muslims believe that the deceased retains awareness. As a result the body must be handled gently and prepared for burial in a specific manner. If family is not immediately available to attend to this, the appropriate Islamic Centre/imam should be contacted so that they can make arrangements for the ritual washing, shrouding and burial in accordance with Islamic requirements.

What is the prayer for a deceased Muslim?

Interment ritual. A funeral prayer, called Salaatul Janaazah, is usually held for the deceased by the local Muslim community, asking for God's mercy and blessings. Bodies are buried and cremation is forbidden in Islam. Muslims are not buried in coffins, but rather the shrouded body will be placed directly in the earth.

How to stop a deceased person from opening his mouth?

Bandage the lower jaw to the head so that the mouth does not open. Flex the joints of the arms and legs to stop them becoming rigid so that washing and shrouding can be carried out properly. At all times the deceased's body must be modestly covered.

How to treat a dead person?

Wear disposable gloves and maintain a quiet composure. Close the eyes of the deceased. Remove any tubes and plug any incisions that may cause a flow of blood. Clean any excretions, i.e. excrement, blood, etc. Bandage the lower jaw to the head so that the mouth does not open.

Should healthcare workers wash the body?

Healthcare workers should NOT wash the body. Immediately after death only essential tasks need to be performed. In the absence of family or a community member any healthcare worker may conduct these tasks, as follows: The body should only be touched by same-gender healthcare staff.

Should a body be buried in Islam?

In Islam the body should be buried whole and unharmed, therefore strictly speaking no part of the body should be cut or harmed. Postmortems are acceptable only if law requires it. Islamic representatives view that postmortems not founded on compelling medical or legal circumstances amounts to desecration of the body.

What does the Quran teach about afterlife?

The Quran and shariah law teach that Muslims will be judged by Allah and their actions will determine their afterlife

What does the Quran say about the authority of the Quran?

The authority of the Quran, the Quran states that we came from Allah and must return to Allah

Does Allah put the wrongs of life right?

Only the judgement of Allah puts the wrongs of life right

Do Muslims believe Allah sees everything they do?

Muslims believe Allah sees everything they do and they will be judged on this in the afterlife so they will try to please him

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