From the moment of death through to burial, we support your family with dignity, knowledge, and full adherence to Islamic requirements at the most affordable price in Canada.
We understand that the period following death is one of the most difficult times a family can face. Our team is here to guide you clearly and compassionately through every burial step, so you can focus on grief and remembrance.
Call us at 613 851 7444 at any hour. Our team will walk you through the immediate steps, answer your questions, and assist you to the arrangements. If the death occurred in a hospital, contact mosque and they will liaise with them on your behalf.
The deceased is washed (ghusl) by trained, same-gender community volunteers in accordance with the Sunnah. This is performed with full respect for the privacy and dignity of the deceased. Family members may be present if they wish.
The body is wrapped in white cotton shrouds (kafan) following the prescribed Islamic method. Islam emphasises simplicity and equality in death, all are wrapped the same way regardless of status.
We can help coordinate the janaza prayer with your preferred masjid. The community is notified via our Janaza alert network and our social media so that as many Muslims as possible can offer this collective obligation (fard kifayah).
The deceased is laid to rest in a Qibla-aligned grave at 57° true north, on their right side facing Mecca.
Our team remains available after burial. We provide guidance on visiting the grave, reciting du'a, and the ongoing care of the grave. Memorial marker inscription services are available to personalise the resting place of your loved one.
Our burial service offers everything required by Islamic law and Canadian regulations – no hidden fees, no upselling. The price you see is the price you pay.
Professional, respectful graveside service
57° true north, on right side facing Mecca
Basic grave marker included
Notification to the Ottawa Muslim community
Islam has defined specific obligations for the living toward the deceased. These are considered fard kifayah — a collective duty of the Muslim community. At OMC, we ensure every step is performed correctly and with full Islamic understanding.
الغسل
The body of the deceased Muslim must be washed an odd number of times (at least three) with clean water and soap. The right side is washed first, then the left. The washing is performed by Muslims of the same gender, ideally by close family members or trained volunteers. Camphor is added to the final wash. Those who die as martyrs (shuhada) are not washed.
الكفن
The washed body is wrapped in white cotton shrouds. For men, this consists of three pieces; for women, five pieces. The shrouds are tied at the head and feet. The kafan is intended to reflect equality in death — the same simple white cloth regardless of a person’s wealth or status in life. Perfume (without alcohol) may be applied.
صلاة الجنازة
Salat al-Janaza is a collective obligation (fard kifayah) on the Muslim community. It consists of four takbeers, recitation of Surah Al-Fatiha, salawat upon the Prophet ﷺ, du’a for the deceased, and a salam. It can be performed at the masjid, a community hall, or at the cemetery. The more Muslims who pray it, the greater the intercession for the deceased.
الدفن
The body is to be buried as soon as possible after death — ideally within 24 hours. The grave is oriented toward the Qibla (Mecca). The body is placed on its right side, facing Mecca. The grave should be raised slightly above ground level (a hand’s span) to mark it. Those lowering the body say “Bismillah wa ‘ala millati Rasulillah.” Dirt is placed in three handfuls by those present.
زيارة القبور
After burial, those present should make du’a for the deceased and ask Allah to keep them firm when questioned by the angels Munkar and Nakir. Visiting graves is permissible and encouraged as it reminds us of the hereafter. The Prophet ﷺ said: “Visit the graves, for they will remind you of death.” Women may also visit graves according to the majority scholarly opinion.
We understand your situation after the passing of a loved one. So here is the booklet that helps you in every step in way in this toughest moment.
Our team is available 24 hours a day for urgent Janaza cases.
Pre-ordering a burial lots today locks in the current price and spares your family from making difficult decisions during grief.
"Hurry up with the dead body for if it was righteous, you are forwarding it to welfare; and if it was otherwise, then you are putting off an evil thing down your necks."
We are a non-profit community organisation with no shareholders. Every dollar goes toward maintaining the cemetery and serving families. Our prices are among the lowest for Islamic burial in all of Canada.
Secure your family’s final resting place in a Qibla-aligned, Islamically certified cemetery. Pre-order adult or children’s lots – instalment plans available for multiple purchases.
We guide grieving families through every burial step. From the moment of death through to burial, we support your family with dignity, knowledge, and full adherence to Islamic requirements.
Preserve the memory of loved ones with dignified grave markers and personalised inscription services.
Search our online grave registry to locate the resting place of a family member or friend.
A complete guide to Islamic funeral rites, obligations of the community, and cemetery etiquette.
Download our complimentary booklet. Everything you need to plan ahead with peace of mind.
Visiting a cemetery carries specific Islamic etiquette. Learn the proper conduct for visiting graves, reciting du’a, and respecting the sanctity of the burial ground.
Dealing with the death of a loved one is difficult. Here is a list that can help you identify what to do when someone passes away.
We aim to complete burial within 24 hours of death, in line with Islamic guidance. Call us immediately and we will prioritise your case. We coordinate directly with hospitals, funeral homes, and the masjid to minimise delays.
Yes. While we primarily serve the Ottawa-Gatineau area, families from other cities may use our cemetery. We can coordinate with local funeral homes in your area for transport to Ottawa.
No. Islamic burial tradition calls for direct earth burial without a casket, which is how we conduct burials at OMC. However, Ontario regulations allow burial without a casket provided specific conditions are met. we handle all of this on your behalf.
No Muslim family in Ottawa will be denied a proper Islamic burial due to financial hardship. We have a Zakat-funded subsidy programme. Please contact us in complete confidence and we will arrange a solution together.
Yes — and we strongly encourage it. Pre-ordering a burial lot locks in today’s price, spares your loved ones from making difficult decisions in grief, and ensures your wishes are documented. Payment plans are available for multiple lots.
The majority scholarly opinion permits women to attend funerals and burial. However, it is discouraged for women to follow the janaza procession. Women are welcome at the graveside for burial and for visiting the grave afterward.
In your most difficult moment, let us carry the burden of arrangements so you can focus on prayer, family, and remembrance.
The Ottawa Muslim Cemetery is offering a one-time pre-sale of 500 grave lots—once they are sold, no additional pre-sale graves will be available. This is your opportunity to secure your final resting place next to your loved ones before this offer ends.
