- At an Islamic funeral, women and men are expected to wear modest attire, in dark colors, with shirts reaching the neck and covering the arms. Men should wear long pants. It is customary for women to wear a headscarf and men may choose to as well. If worn, makeup should be minimal and subtle, and flashy jewelry should be avoided. Shoes are removed before entering the prayer hall, so make sure to wear clean, simple socks or stockings.
- Both the funeral and burial should be quiet, apart from prayers spoken aloud. Avoid conversation with those around you.
- There is rarely an open casket at an Islamic funeral.
- In some cases, women may not attend the funeral and burial, however this varies based on sect. If women are attending the funeral, they will traditionally sit separately from men, towards the back.
- After the body is buried, guests will congregate in the home of the bereaved. A meal is traditionally served, and it is customary that guests stay for the entire day.
- In the Islamic tradition, there are different views regarding sending sympathy flowers to the bereaved. If you are unfamiliar with the mourning family’s customs, consider making a charitable donation in the name of the deceased instead.
- The mourning period lasts for 40 days during which the mourners wear black. During this period it is a very supportive gesture to continue to check in with the family to see how they are doing and bring over meals to help support them during this difficult time.
Please note that customs and etiquette may vary by sect. If you are unfamiliar with the mourning family’s traditions, reach out to a friend of the family who can advise you, or check with the funeral home where the service will be held.