إِنَّا لِلّهِ وَإِنَّـا إِلَيْهِ رَاجِعونَ
The coronavirus pandemic has led to changes in provision for Muslim funerals, which are becoming more profound as the number of deaths rises.
The information below will be helpful if you’ve suffered a bereavement.
Contents:
1. What to do if someone dies?
2. How will the body be prepared for burial if the death was due to COVID-19?
3. What might happen if there is a surge in deaths due to COVID-19?
4. Where can the deceased be buried?
5. Where will the Janaazah take place whilst the Mosques are closed?
6. How is South London Islamic Centre supporting Muslim burial services?
1. What to do if someone dies?
When someone dies, there are legal and Islamic requirements that need to be fulfilled. There will also be some exceptional changes for those whose death was due to COVID-19, detailed below.
The legal steps you need to take are explained here: Haji Taslim Funerals: After a Death.
You may also find the Eternal Gardens step-by-step funeral guide helpful.
2. How will the body be prepared for burial if the death was due to COVID-19?
Those washing the body (Ghusl) of someone who died due to COVID-19 must wear Personal Protection Equipment (PPE). Unfortunately, PPEs are in short supply, funeral services are finding it difficult to source supplies.
3. What might happen if there is a surge in deaths due to COVID-19?
Muslim scholars have explained that if there is a huge surge in COVID-19 related deaths, and funeral services lack the capacity to wash the bodies safely, then it would be allowed to bury the bodies without Ghusl.
4. Where can the deceased be buried?
The two most popular Muslim cemeteries in London, which also handle coronavirus deaths, are:
· Gardens of Peace cemetery – 020 8502 6000
· Eternal Gardens cemetery – 0800 211 8569
5. Where will the Janaazah take place whilst the Mosques are closed?
The Janaazah prayer takes place at the burial site; only 5 relatives may take part in the Janaazah in order to minimise risks of spreading COVID-19.
6. How is South London Islamic Centre supporting Muslim burial services?
We are working closely with and supporting our local Masaajid and Cemeteries to deal with the current difficult situation to ensure that the deceased in our community are given dignified and Shari`ah compliant burials.