The first thing a person should do upon hearing about death, or once it has been confirmed, is to say:

“Indeed, we belong to Allah, and indeed to Him we shall return” (Inna lillahi wa inna ilayhi raji’un).
الَّذِينَ إِذَا أَصَابَتْهُم مُّصِيبَةٌ قَالُوا إِنَّا لِلَّهِ وَإِنَّا إِلَيْهِ رَاجِعُونَ (156) أُولَٰئِكَ عَلَيْهِمْ صَلَوَاتٌ مِّن رَّبِّهِمْ وَرَحْمَةٌ ۖ وَأُولَٰئِكَ هُمُ الْمُهْتَدُونَ (157)

This supplication serves as a reminder that we all belong to Allah and will ultimately return to Him, expressing patience, acceptance of His decree, and hope for His reward and mercy.

Then, If the death occurs in a hospital, hospice, or nursing facility, the staff will guide you through the initial procedures and issue the necessary documentation.

If the death occurs at home, call 911 immediately. Do not move the deceased or begin any funeral arrangements until the authorities provide instructions.

Once death has been confirmed:

• Close the eyes of the deceased if possible.
• Cover the body respectfully.
• Contact family members if known or the local masjid if no known family members.
• Make du’a for the deceased.
• Avoid unnecessary delays in starting funeral arrangements.

Notify a masjid funeral team of your choosing immediately.
A few contact numbers are provided at the bottom of this page if any assistance is needed.

Be prepared to provide:

• Full name of the deceased
• Date of birth
• Location of the body
• Contact information for the next of kin
• Any known funeral or burial wishes

The funeral team will help coordinate the remaining steps and guide you through the Islamic and legal requirements.

Several legal documents are required before burial can take place.

These may include:

• Death Certificate
• Coroner Release (if applicable)

The funeral home and authorities will usually assist with these documents.

Keep multiple certified copies of the death certificate, as they may be needed later for financial, legal, and insurance matters.

The deceased must be transported to the funeral home or Islamic washing facility. This step may be provided by the funeral home

Transportation should be coordinated through:

• The funeral home
• The masjid funeral team
• Authorized transportation services

Do not attempt to transport the deceased yourself unless specifically authorized.

Do not attempt to transport the deceased yourself unless specifically authorized.

The deceased should be washed according to Islamic guidelines by trained Muslim volunteers or funeral staff.

Important notes:

• Men wash men.
• Women wash women.
• The spouse may assist according to Islamic rulings.
• Family members may attend if permitted.

The washing is performed with dignity, respect, and privacy.

After Ghusl, the deceased is wrapped in a simple white shroud (Kafan) by the funeral team.

The Kafan symbolizes equality before Allah and reminds us that worldly status and wealth do not accompany us after death.

The funeral team will normally provide the required shroud materials.

The masjid will announce the Janazah prayer on your behalf once the required information provided.

Information typically provided includes:

• Date
• Time
• Location
• Burial arrangements

Friends, relatives, and community members are encouraged to attend and make du’a for the deceased.

The Prophet Muhammad ﷺ encouraged Muslims to participate in Janazah prayers and funeral processions.

Islam encourages burial as soon as reasonably possible.

The burial process usually includes:

• Transportation to the cemetery
• Graveside du’a
• Placement of the deceased into the grave
• Covering the grave

Family members may participate according to cemetery regulations.

Notify:

• Immediate family members
• Relatives
• Friends
• Community members

Consider sharing:

• Contact information for the family
• Janazah prayer details
• Burial information
• Donation requests if needed

The family often experiences emotional and practical challenges after a loss.

Community support may include:

• Providing meals
• Helping with transportation
• Childcare assistance
• Visiting and offering condolences
• Making du’a for the deceased and family

Avoid statements that may unintentionally increase grief. Instead, offer sincere support and prayers.

After burial, family members may need to handle:

• Bank accounts
• Insurance policies
• Social Security notifications
• Vehicle ownership transfers
• Property matters
• Utility accounts
• Outstanding debts

Seek professional legal advice when necessary.

The Prophet Muhammad ﷺ taught that certain deeds continue to benefit a person after death.

Family and friends are encouraged to:

• Make du’a regularly
• Give charity on behalf of the deceased
• Support beneficial community projects
• Sponsor Islamic education
• Distribute Qur’ans
• Maintain family ties

May Allah forgive our deceased, grant them mercy, and admit them into Jannatul Firdaus.

Ameen.