Gifts and flowers
Muslims don’t typically bring flowers to a funeral – many traditions discourage them. Condolences are offered through prayers and visits to the family in the days that follow.
Muslim funerals
A Muslim funeral is a final act of care, returning the body to the earth and entrusting the soul to Allah. Customs vary between families and communities, but most follow practices passed down through generations. This guide covers what to expect – before, during and after – and how your local Dignity funeral director can support you to arrange a Muslim funeral.
- 2 September 2026
About Muslim funerals
Muslim beliefs about death
Muslims believe death is not an end, but a return to Allah. When someone dies, the soul enters Barzakh – an interim state where it waits until the Day of Judgement. On that day, every soul is held to account for the life they led, and either welcomed into Jannah (paradise) or judged accordingly. The body, meanwhile, returns to the earth.
Muslim funeral ceremonies
A Muslim funeral is simple, swift and communal. Burial takes place as soon as possible after death. The body is washed by family, wrapped in a plain white shroud and carried to the grave. Prayers are led by an imam, either at the mosque or beside the grave itself. Traditionally there is no coffin, although UK regulations and most cemeteries require one.
Arranging a Muslim funeral
At Dignity, we support families of every faith and background. From the speed of the burial to family-led washing and shrouding, your local funeral director has the experience to honour every detail. If you need to arrange a Muslim funeral, contact your local branch and we’ll talk everything through with you.
What to expect at a Muslim funeral
Funeral etiquette
Muslim funerals are communal occasions, with everyone present taking part in the prayers. Here's what to expect:
Food
There is no food at the funeral itself. Instead, friends and neighbours traditionally bring food to the family home for the first three days of mourning, so the bereaved are not burdened with cooking.
What to wear
Modest, plain clothing is expected. Many mourners wear darker colours but this is optional. Women cover their heads, and both men and women should keep their arms and legs covered. Shoes are removed before entering the prayer area at the mosque.
Paying respects
It is customary to say the phrase “Inna lillahi wa inna ilayhi raji’un” – meaning “Indeed we belong to Allah, and to Him we shall return” – to the family. The body is usually not viewed publicly. Only close family members may see the face before the shroud is closed.
Key terms
- Janazah: The funeral prayer, performed for the person who has died. Also called Salat al-Janazah.
- Ghusl: The ritual washing of the body, performed by family members or community members of the same sex.
- Kafan: The plain white shroud the body is wrapped in for burial.
- Qibla: The direction of Mecca, which the body faces in the grave.
- Imam: The religious leader who leads the prayers.
- Akhirah: The afterlife. The soul moves on to await the Day of Judgement.
- Barzakh: The interim state between death and the Day of Judgement, where the soul waits.
- Iddah: The mourning period observed by widows, lasting four months and ten days.
- Sadaqah: Charity given in the name of the person who has died, often as a way of continuing their good deeds.
- Dua: A prayer or supplication, often offered on behalf of the person who has died.
Muslim funeral costs
The cost of a Muslim funeral in the UK depends on the funeral director, the cemetery and any extras you choose, such as transport for family or repatriation. Most Muslim families choose a swift burial, with time at the mosque or family home for prayer, family-led washing and shrouding, and a graveside service led by an imam. Cemetery fees vary by location and tend to be higher in or near major cities. Your local funeral director will talk you through everything that's included and any costs that may apply, so you can plan with confidence.
Find a funeral director
Our funeral directors are at the heart of their communities, in over 500 locations across the UK. Wherever you live, you’ll have an experienced professional by your side throughout, caring for you and the person who’s died.
Other religious funerals
At Dignity, we’re here to support people of all religions and none. We can arrange Catholic, Anglican, Hindu, Buddhist, Orthodox, Methodist, Baptist, and Quaker funerals. Call your local funeral director today to talk about your needs.
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Frequently asked questions
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