Islamic Funerals : Guidance from Perry & Phillips Bridgnorth

There are two major groups of Muslims - Shi'ite Muslims and Sunni Muslims

Funeral traditions tend to have developed over the centuries, rather than being set out in the religion's holy book - The Koran

Muslims try to bury the body within 24 hours of death if possible. They believe that the soul departs at the moment of death

The deceased is placed with their head facing the Muslim holy city of Makkah

Ritual washing is performed usually by family members or close friends, usually according to the sex of the deceased.

The body is wrapped in a shroud of usually simple, white material

Afterwards, salat (prayers) will be said for the deceased.

Funerals should be kept simple and respectful and it is forbidden to cremate the body of a Muslim.

Muslims are buried with their face turned to the right, facing Makkah and it is customary not to use a coffin.

Mourners may throw earth onto the coffin in the grave, The grave may be raised above ground level and any gravestone should be simple.

There is an official mourning period of three days, (longer for a remaining spouse) and this may include a special meal to remember the deceased.