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Muslim Funeral 

Providing Burial Services

Coordination with Cemeteries, Community Support, Facilities

The Significance of a Muslim Funeral

Muslim law and tradition bestow a profound religious significance upon a Muslim’s funeral. It embodies dignity, sanctity, and modesty, reflecting the solemnity of a religious service. The process is guided by the teachings of Islam and follows a structured sequence of stages to honor the deceased appropriately.

The Five Stages of a Muslim Funeral

The Final Bathing (Ghusl) – Tajheez
This stage involves the ritual washing of the deceased’s body. It is a purification process that is performed with care and respect, ensuring the body is clean before burial.

The Shrouding (Kafan) – Takfeen
After the bathing, the body is shrouded in a simple, white cloth known as kafan. This symbolizes equality in death, as all Muslims are buried in similar garments, regardless of their status in life.

The Funeral Prayers – Janazah Salah
The community gathers to perform the funeral prayer, Janazah Salah. This collective prayer is a means of seeking forgiveness and mercy for the deceased.

The Funeral Procession – Carrying the Bier to the Grave
The deceased is then carried to the grave in a respectful procession. This act is considered a final service to the departed, emphasizing the community’s support and solidarity.

The Burial of the Deceased – Tadfeen
The final stage involves the burial of the body in the earth. This stage completes the journey of the deceased, and it is performed with solemnity and respect.

Emphasis on Promptness

Islamic teachings stress the importance of conducting the funeral promptly. The Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) advised, “Make haste at a funeral; if the dead person was good, it is a good state to which you are sending him on; but if he was otherwise it is an evil of which you are ridding yourselves.” This underscores the belief that a swift burial honors the deceased and benefits the community.

Even if a death occurs on a Friday, it is recommended to perform the funeral before the Jumu’ah prayer rather than delaying it for potential greater attendance. The blessings and forgiveness associated with adhering to the Prophet’s guidance are considered more valuable.

Adhering to Legal Formalities

To facilitate a timely burial, it is necessary to comply with the legal requirements of the country, such as certifying and registering the death. In England and Wales, these processes are outlined in the official document “What to do after a death in England and Wales.”

In summary, a Muslim funeral is a deeply significant religious event, conducted with respect, promptness, and adherence to both religious and legal requirements.

What to Do When a Death Occurs

Dealing with the death of a loved one is a challenging experience, and knowing the proper steps to take can ease some of the burden. This guide provides information on what to do when a death occurs, whether it happens in a hospital or at home.

If the Death Occurs in a Hospital

When a death occurs in a hospital, the process is relatively straightforward. The hospital staff will provide a Medical Certificate indicating the cause of death. If the cause is uncertain or questioned, they may refer the case to a coroner. The body will remain in the hospital’s mortuary until the executor or family makes arrangements for its transfer.

If the Death Occurs at Home

Verification of Death

  1. Contact the GP: The first step is to call the deceased’s General Practitioner (GP) to verify the death.

  2. Locum Service: If the GP is unavailable, a locum—an on-call doctor—will verify the death and authorize the body’s removal.

Further Steps

  • If the death was expected due to illness and the cause is clear, the GP can authorize the Medical Certificate.

  • The family must take this certificate to the local civic center (Town Hall) to register the death and obtain the Death Certificate and Burial Certificate.

Emergencies

  • If you are unsure about what to do, or need immediate assistance, call 999.

Sudden or Uncertain Deaths

For deaths that are sudden or when the cause is uncertain:

  1. Post-Mortem: A post-mortem examination will be required, and the Coroners Service will transport the deceased to a hospital for an autopsy.

  2. Results:

    • If the cause is natural, a Death Certificate (Form 100 – Pink) is issued by the Coroner.

    • If the cause is not natural, an inquest is required, and the Coroner will issue an Order for Burial (Form 101).

Registering the Death

Once the cause of death is established, whether immediately or after an inquest, the Coroner will issue a Certificate After Inquest (Form 99). This certificate allows the family to register the death at the local registrar’s office and receive the Death Certificate.

For additional information or guidance, you may reach out via email at info@surreymosque.com.

Registering a Death: A Step-by-Step Guide

When a loved one passes away, registering their death is a vital step that must be completed promptly. This guide outlines the process for registering a death with the Registrars of Births and Deaths in the sub-district where the death occurred.

Finding the Registrar

You can locate the Registrar’s office address through various sources:

  • The official website of the General Register Office

  • The phone book under “Registration of Births, Deaths & Marriages”

  • From the doctor, local council, post office, or police station

Arranging the Registration

Before visiting the registrar, check their availability and determine if you need to bring someone else to provide information about the deceased. In cases where the death has been referred to the coroner, registration cannot proceed until the registrar receives authorisation from the coroner.

Documents to Bring

When you visit the registrar, ensure you have the following documents, if available:

  • The medical certificate of the cause of death

  • The deceased’s medical card

  • The pink form (form 100), if provided by the coroner

  • The deceased’s birth and marriage certificates

Information to Provide

You’ll need to provide the registrar with specific details about the deceased, including:

  • The date and place of death

  • The deceased’s last (usual) address

  • The deceased’s first names and surname (including maiden name if applicable)

  • The deceased’s date and place of birth (town and country for UK births, country for those born abroad)

  • The deceased’s occupation and their spouse’s name and occupation

  • Information on whether the deceased was receiving a pension or allowance from public funds

  • If married, the date of birth of the surviving widow or widower

What You Will Receive

After registration, the registrar will provide you with:

  • A Certificate for Burial, known as the Green Form, unless the coroner has already issued an Order for Burial. This certificate is essential for booking the burial at the cemetery, as cemeteries will not accept any bookings without a copy of this form. The original copy should be given to the funeral director, who will send it to the cemetery on the day of the burial.

By following these steps and ensuring you have all necessary documentation, you can efficiently complete the death registration process during this challenging time.

Important Information Regarding the Issuing of Medical Certificate of Cause of Death (MCCD) by GP

Medical Examiners and Reforms to Death Certification

Starting from Monday, 9th September 2024, the statutory Medical Examiner System will be implemented for all deaths occurring at home or in a hospital across England and Wales.

What is a Medical Examiner?

Under the medical examiner’s regulations, medical examiners are responsible for providing independent scrutiny of the causes of death. They serve as a contact for bereaved individuals who have questions or wish to express concerns.

The Purpose of the Medical Examiner System

  • Provide Greater Safeguards for the Public: Ensure independent scrutiny of all non-coronial deaths.

  • Ensure Appropriate Direction to the Coroner: Guide which deaths should be referred to a coroner.

  • Better Service for the Bereaved: Offer an opportunity for families to discuss concerns with a doctor not involved in the deceased’s care.

  • Improve the Quality of Death Certification: Enhance the accuracy and reliability of certifications.

  • Enhance Mortality Data Quality: Improve the overall quality of mortality data collected.

What Does This Mean for You?

The changes in the death certification process represent a positive step forward, though they introduce an additional layer to the process.

“It’s important to note that while this procedure has already been in place for hospital deaths over the past year, it will be extended and made a legal requirement for all deaths, whether they occur in a hospital or at home. This change could potentially affect community expectations regarding the timing of burials, as quick burials, which have been common in the past, may no longer be feasible.”

During this challenging period, it is crucial to exercise patience and work closely with your local Funeral Director, who is available to assist and guide you through the necessary formalities.

Muslims Funeral Services

They provide comprehensive service from the time immediately after death up until the time of burial. 

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Cemetery Fees And Charges

Understanding the fees and charges associated with Redstone & Reigate Cemetery is important for families planning interments, memorials, and related services.

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Emergency Contact

Head Imam Sajid Latif Qadir
M 07828 783 600

E info@surreymosqe.com

Imam Hafiz Waseem

M 07598 780 272

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Get Help For Funeral Cost

You could get a Funeral Expenses Payment (also called a Funeral Payment) if you get certain benefits and need help to pay for a funeral you’re arranging.

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