Islamic burial rites ensure a dignified farewell – following the sacred traditions of washing, shrouding, prayer, and burial in full accordance with the Quran and Sunnah.
Islam has prescribed specific obligations for the living upon the death of a Muslim — these are collectively called Fard Kifayah (collective obligation). If enough members of the community fulfil them, the obligation is lifted from all. If none do, all are sinful. OMC exists to ensure these obligations are always met for Ottawa’s Muslim community.
The four main rites are: Ghusl (washing), Kafan (shrouding), Salat al-Janaza (funeral prayer), and Dafn (burial). Each is described in detail below.
الغسل
The body must be washed (ghusl) an odd number of times — at minimum three times — with water and soap. The right side is washed first, then the left. Washing is performed by Muslims of the same gender, ideally close family members or trained volunteers. Camphor is added to the final wash. The Prophet ﷺ said: “Wash him three times, or five, or more if you see fit, with water and sidr (lote-tree leaves).” Those who die as martyrs (shuhada) are buried without ghusl.
الكفن
After ghusl, the body is wrapped in white cotton shrouds (kafan). For men, this consists of three pieces; for women, five pieces. The shrouds are tied at the head and feet. The kafan reflects the Islamic principle of equality in death — the same simple white cloth for everyone, regardless of status. Perfume without alcohol (such as musk or oud) may be applied. OMC supplies high-quality kafan as part of the burial service.
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 the Muslim community, and a salam. The prayer can be performed at the masjid, a community hall, or at the cemetery. The Prophet ﷺ said: “Whoever prays the janaza prayer will receive one qirat of reward; whoever follows it until burial receives two qirats — each like mount Uhud.” OMC coordinates janaza prayer with Ottawa’s mosques.
الدفن
The body must be buried as soon as possible after death, ideally within 24 hours. The grave is oriented toward the Qibla (at OMC: 57° true north). The body is placed on its right side, facing Mecca. Those lowering the body say: “Bismillah wa ‘ala millati Rasulillah.” Dirt is placed in the grave in three handfuls by those present, saying “Minha khalaqnaakum…” The grave is raised slightly above ground level (a handspan). After burial, the community is encouraged to pause and make du’a for the deceased, asking Allah to keep them firm when questioned by the angels.
زيارة القبور
After burial, those present make du’a for the deceased and ask Allah to keep them firm when questioned by Munkar and Nakir. Visiting graves is permissible and encouraged as a reminder of the hereafter. The Prophet ﷺ said: “Visit the graves, for they remind you of death.” Women may also visit graves according to the majority scholarly opinion. When visiting, offer the Salam of the graves, recite Al-Fatiha and short surahs, and make du’a for the deceased.
The following PDF resources provide detailed guidance on Islamic funeral rites from classical Islamic scholarship.
"Whoever prays the funeral prayer will receive one qirat of reward; whoever attends until the burial receives two qirats — each like mount Uhud."
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