It's one of the hardest things to have to bury your child. It feels like it goes against the natural order of things. It can be hard to find items that suit a young life being cut short and help you to truly remember the spirit of the child you are burying. This site has a collection of ideas and thoughts that can be used when coming up with memorial services that celebrate the short life and personality of your child. It can be a useful resource for family, communities or schools plan sympathetic funeral services for children and their loved one.
Traditional Christian funerals have a very general feel to them. You will usually attend a wake or visitation that is followed by a service and a graveyard service. This set of events may change depending on the plans of the deceased or the religion of the deceased. One type of funeral the differs from traditional Christian services is the Muslim funeral service. Before you attend one, consider these four key points.
Funeral Timing
One of the key things you should keep in mind about attending a Muslim funeral is the timing. The funeral and burial will likely be within 24 hours after death. In some cases, the burial may happen while the reception to remember the deceased is held at a later time when family and friends can make it to the ceremony. You also will not see some of the initial steps like the bathing and shrouding of the body. In fact, you may only be witness to the burial itself if you are able to attend.
Appropriate Attire
One thing you should take into account is what you wear to the funeral. The proper attire is essential, not just out of respect for the deceased but also for the family. Make sure that you, your spouse, and your children are dressed modestly. There should be no low cut necklines, short skirts, or tight fitting clothing. Women should have a covering over their head or hair out of respect.
Services
The funeral service will have no viewing or visitation in most cases. There will be a funeral prayer that you may take part in, however, if you are not Muslim you may stand silent. The burial will be directly following the service. An important point to keep in mind is that only men are allowed at the graveside service. Women are not permitted to attend this portion of the service and may retire to the reception or wait for their spouses in the mosque or funeral home.
Condolences and Mourning
Another key point to remember is the mourning period for the family and offering condolences. You should know that the mourning period can last three or more days. Also, note that you should not place any flowers or other items around or near the gravesite. If you wish to say a prayer for the dead, do so using a prayer from the Quran. If you are unsure of what type of prayer to offer the family, ask the Imam at the mosque.
These are a few of the key points non-Muslims should keep in mind when attending a Muslim funeral service. If you have other questions be sure to ask the Imam or a representative at the mosque or the funeral directors (such as Lee Adam Funeral Services).
Share24 April 2015
