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The rights due to a Muslim who dies in a non-Muslim country
Question
What are the rights of someone who passes away in a non-Muslim country? A Muslim person passed away in a non-Muslim country where there are a few or none Muslim cemeteries and no one to recite the Quran at the graveside. In such a case, how should the rites of washing, shrouding, and burial be performed?
Answer
When a Muslim dies, it is obligatory to prepare the body as follows:
- Washing the deceased: The person performing the washing should begin by performing ablution for the deceased in a similar manner to the ablution performed before prayer. This is followed by washing the entire body with pure water.
- Shrouding the body: The body is then shrouded with three layers of cloth for a man and five for a woman, if possible. Otherwise, one cloth is sufficient. It is recommended that the shroud be white.
- The funeral prayer: The funeral prayer is then performed for the deceased and consists of four takbirs (Allahu Akbar). After the first Allahu Akbar the Fatiha is recited; after the second, prayers and blessings are invoked upon the Prophet (peace and blessings be upon him); after the third, supplications are made for the deceased; and after the fourth, supplications are made for the deceased and for all deceased Muslims, followed by the concluding salam.
- Carrying the bier to the grave: After the funeral prayer, the bier is carried on the shoulders, and funeral procession walks with the deceased to the grave.
- Burial: The deceased is then buried in a Muslim cemetery if possible; otherwise, a grave is dug and the body is buried in it and covered with earth.
As for the recitation of the Quran at the graveside, if a person who can recite the Quran well is available, then he may recite whatever passages of the Quran are easy for him, so that the deceased may receive the blessings of the Quran in the grave. This is because the Quran is a means through which Allah’s mercy, forgiveness, and acceptance descend. Otherwise, those attending the funeral should pray for the deceased and ask Allah to forgive him.
And Allah Almighty knows best.
