Burial Procedures in Islam: From Washing to Interment

Every Muslim should understand well the procedures for caring for the deceased, from washing the body to burying it.

According to Islamic law, there are several procedures for caring for the deceased in Islam that must be followed. The sequence of washing, shrouding, performing the funeral prayer, and burying the deceased are obligations that a Muslim must fulfill when caring for someone who has passed away.

The ruling for caring for the deceased is fardhu kifayah (a communal obligation) for the Muslim community. Every step, from washing to burial, must truly be carried out in accordance with the established sunnah.

Caring for the deceased is also an obligation for all or some of the people around them.

How to Wash the Deceased Correctly According to Islam

The first step in caring for the deceased is washing the body. Here are the steps according to Islam:

• The body must be covered from the navel to the knees.
• Wash the body in a closed place.
•  Use gloves and clean the body of any impurities.
•  Once the entire body is clean, apply fragrance so that any unpleasant odor from the body is not noticeable.
• Raise the head of the body so that water does not flow toward the head.
• Clean the mouth, brush the teeth, and clean the nose, then begin washing the body.
•  Pour water over the body starting from the right side, 3 times, cleaning the back and abdomen down to the feet. Then do the left side 3 times in the same way, and clean the head, beard, and moustache.
• Wash the body with soapy water, and for the final rinse, apply fragrance.
• While washing the body, handle it gently: when turning it, rub each part of the body, press gently on the abdomen, soften the joints, and do everything in a way that honors the deceased.
• If impurities come out of the body after it has been cleaned and touch the body, they must be removed and the body washed again up to 5 to 7 times. If impurities fall onto the shroud, the washing is not repeated; it is enough to remove the impurities only.
• Dry the body with a cloth after washing so that the shroud does not get wet.
• After washing, apply a fragrance that contains no alcohol to the head and beard of the body. It is preferable to use camphor.

Intention Prayer for Washing the Deceased

The next part of caring for the deceased is the prayer recited while washing the body. When pouring water over the body, do not forget to recite the intention:

• Intention for washing a deceased man: "Nawaitul ghusla adaa 'an hadzal mayyiti lillahi ta'aalaa."
• Intention for washing a deceased woman: "Nawaitul ghusla adaa 'an hadzihil mayyitati lillaahi ta'aalaa."

How to Shroud the Deceased

The next procedure is shrouding, where there is a slight difference between shrouding a man and a woman.

1. Deceased Man

• Prepare enough ties to secure the shroud. Lay them vertically at the bottom of the first layer of the shroud.
• Spread out the first layer of the shroud, cut to fit the size of the deceased.
• Apply fragrance to the first layer of the shroud.
• Spread out the second layer of the shroud, cut to fit the size of the deceased, and apply fragrance as well.
• Spread out the third layer of the shroud and apply fragrance.
• Place the deceased in the middle of the third layer of the shroud.
• Wrap the third layer from the left side to the right, then the fabric from the right side to the left.
• Wrap the second layer from the left side to the right, then the fabric from the right side to the left.
• Wrap the first layer from the left side to the right, then the fabric from the right side to the left.
• Tie it with the ties that were prepared earlier.

2. Deceased Woman

• Spread out 2 sheets of shroud cloth, cut to fit the size of the deceased. Then place the sarong-style cloth on the body, between the navel and both knees.
• Prepare a gamis (long robe) and a headscarf in their place.
• Prepare 3–5 strings and place them at the very bottom of the burial shroud.
• Prepare cotton that has been scented, to be placed on certain parts of the body.
• Once the shroud is ready, lift and lay the body on top of the shroud.
• Place the cotton that was previously scented on the parts of the body, as is done for a male deceased.
• Wrap the sarong around the body, between the navel and both knees. Dress the body in the gamis together with the headscarf. If the hair is long, it can be braided into 2/3 and placed on top of the gamis at the chest.
• Wrap both layers of the shroud one sheet at a time, starting from the top layer down to the bottom. Then tie it with the several strings that were prepared earlier.

How to Perform the Funeral Prayer

The procedures for caring for a Muslim's body and the prayers for it are all set out in the Quran. This includes the funeral prayer, which has seven pillars, such as:

• The intention in the heart
• Standing, for those who are able
• Performing four takbirs, without ruku' or sujud.
• In the first takbir, reciting Surah Al-Fatihah.
• In the second takbir, reciting salawat.
• In the third takbir, reciting a prayer for the deceased.
• In the fourth takbir, reciting the prayer "Allahumma laa tahrimna ajro-hu wa laa taftinnaa ba'dahu waghfir lanaa wa la-hu," and then the salam.

How to Bury the Deceased

The final step in caring for the deceased is burial:

• It is recommended to carry the body at a brisk pace, carried by four men. Those on foot may walk in front of or behind it, and those using vehicles should follow behind.
• The grave (lahd) should be dug deep and well-made so that no foul odor will escape later.
• The body is entered from the direction of the feet, moving forward toward the head.
• Recite a prayer when placing the body into the grave.
• Lay the body on its right side, facing the qiblah, and prop the left side of the body against the wall of the grave.
• Loosen the knots of the shroud ties and recite the adhan.
• Specifically for a female deceased, it is recommended to spread a cloth over the grave during the burial process.
• Once the grave has been filled in, those who arrive afterward may sit down and
  ask forgiveness for the deceased.

These are some of the procedures for caring for the deceased according to Islamic law, which every Muslim should observe. Should a family member, neighbor, or close relative pass away, you should also pay attention to the grave according to Islamic law properly.

Estimated Costs for Muslim Funeral Services by Kamboja

Caring for the deceased in Islam is an important part of the obligation of fardhu kifayah, in which the deceased must be treated with respect in accordance with religious teachings. Kamboja, as a trusted funeral service provider, offers complete Muslim funeral services in accordance with Islamic procedures.

Muslim Funeral Services

• Services and Guide to Washing the Deceased: The washing of the deceased is carried out in accordance with Islamic procedures, for both male and female deceased.
• Washing Equipment: Kamboja provides the basin and bathing equipment needed for this process.
• Shrouding the Deceased: The deceased will be shrouded using the burial cloth and mat prepared by Kamboja.
• In Accordance with the Procedures of Fardhu Kifayah: The entire process is carried out in accordance with the rules and obligations of Islam.
• Service Area: DKI Jakarta.
• Price: IDR 4,000,000 (excluding additional services).
• Add-ons: Kamboja Management Fee.

*Funeral prayer or supplication led by an ustadz is not included in this package and can be arranged with local religious leaders or by the family. If you need this service, please contact Kamboja customer support for more information.

With Kamboja, you receive professional Muslim funeral management services that follow Islamic teachings, ensuring the process runs smoothly and with full respect.

Need Muslim Funeral Management Services?

If you're finding it difficult to arrange a funeral, Funeral Services provided by Kamboja are ready to help you. Kamboja is here to walk alongside your family through this difficult time, with funeral protection that covers funeral arrangements and third-party coordination, made simple and affordable.

When arranging a Muslim funeral, it is important to ensure the process is carried out with respect and in line with religious teachings. Kamboja is a service provider that values religious diversity and the specific needs of Muslims. With Indonesia's first integrated experience and service, we are ready to help you and your family with funeral arrangements at affordable prices and provide comprehensive funeral protection. Trust us to provide the best solutions for funeral preparation and arrangements that align with your religious values and personal needs.

Contact Kamboja now, you can discuss your needs first.