Proper burial of the deceased is an important practice in Islam. When a Muslim passes away, the body is washed and shrouded according to Islamic tradition, then buried in the ground facing Mecca. Not getting buried properly can have serious spiritual consequences for the deceased according to Islamic beliefs.
In this article, we will examine the Islamic funeral rites and burial practices, reasons why a Muslim may not get buried, the spiritual implications of not getting buried, and what can be done for a Muslim who was not buried properly. Understanding these issues can help provide solace to grieving families and guide the Muslim community in handling unfortunate situations when traditional burial is not possible.
Islamic Funeral Rites and Burial
When a Muslim passes away, the body is washed and shrouded in plain white cloth called the kafan or shroud. The washing, called ghusl, and shrouding should be done by same-sex family members or volunteers whenever possible. The body is treated with utmost dignity and respect throughout the process, which includes gently cleaning the body and reciting prayers.
Once shrouded, the body is moved to the front of the mosque or musalla for the funeral prayer, known as Salat al-Janazah. The imam leads the congregation in praying for mercy and forgiveness for the deceased. This prayer is fard kifaya, meaning it is a communal obligation. If some people in the congregation perform it then the obligation is fulfilled, but it is preferable for as many people as possible to join.
After the funeral prayer, the body is transported to the cemetery for burial in a simple grave with the body facing toward the qibla, or direction of Mecca. The body is placed in the grave on its right side, then covered over with dirt. There are additional prayers recited at the gravesite. The whole process starting from death to burial should be done swiftly, preferably within 24 hours.
Key Burial Requirements in Islam
There are several key requirements for the burial process in Islam:
- Body is washed, shrouded and prayed over
- Body is buried in a simple grave with the head facing Mecca
- Burial takes place as soon as possible, within 24 hours if able
- Body is buried without a casket, touching the earth
- Grave is made perpendicular to qibla direction
- Body is placed in the grave on its right side
Following these proper Islamic burial rites whenever possible is considered fard kifaya or obligatory for the community. Not being able to fulfill one or more of these practices would be considered an unfortunate exception due to circumstances.
Reasons a Muslim May Not Get Buried
There are a number of reasons why a Muslim who has passed away may not be able to have a proper Islamic burial:
Transportation Difficulties
If someone passes away while traveling or living in a remote location far from other Muslims, it may be impossible to follow all burial rites. Transporting the body the long distance to a Muslim cemetery may be impractical. Local resources may be inadequate.
Legal Restrictions
Some non-Muslim countries restrict burial practices that do not match the local traditions. For example, some areas only permit bodies to be buried in caskets after being embalmed, both of which are prohibited in Islam. Local Muslim communities then have to follow cremation or other processes instead of burial.
Lack of Information
If a Muslim passes away among non-Muslims who are unaware of Islamic burial practices, the proper rites may not be followed. Without guidance on what to do, they may resort to local majority practices instead.
Extraordinary Situations
Under rare circumstances like a person getting lost at sea, dying in a natural disaster, swallowed by animals, etc. the body may be irretrievable or unidentifiable for proper Islamic rites.
Cost Considerations
Particularly for converts and poorer Muslims, the costs associated with following all the traditional Islamic burial rites can be prohibitive, especially in non-Muslim countries. Some families then opt for lower-cost cremation or other options.
Spiritual Implications of Not Being Buried in Islam
From an Islamic theological perspective, not getting a proper burial can have adverse spiritual implications for the deceased. Though God is forgiving and understands extenuating circumstances, the believer may experience trial and punishment awaiting full burial.
Punishment of the Grave
Islamic theology includes the idea of Adhab al Qabr or Punishment of the Grave, a period of trial for the soul after death but before Resurrection. When a body is not buried properly, the soul is thought to experience greater difficulty during this phase. The hardship is temporary, ending when the Trumpet is blown signaling the Day of Judgment.
Greater Difficulty in the Journey of the Hereafter
Without a full Islamic burial marked by the ritual washing, shrouding, prayer, and quick burial, the soul is also believed to face more adversity as it journeys through the afterlife leading up to the Day of Resurrection. Again, this reflects that improper burial leads to spiritual trial and punishment.
Delayed Entry to Heaven
For righteous believers destined for Paradise, not getting buried may delay their entry, forcing them to wait for the proper rituals to be completed before being admitted. Only once their obligations are fulfilled can they achieve their ultimate reward.
The Restless, Wandering Spirit
Folk Islamic tradition sometimes warns that those not properly buried will roam the earth as restless, suffering spirits until Judgment Day. Though not a mainstream Islamic belief, this view further reflects the gravity of improper burial.
What Can Be Done
If a Muslim was not able to be buried properly according to Islamic rites, there are a few things the community can do to help rectify the situation:
Have a Funeral Prayer
Even if unable to do full burial rites, holding the Janazah funeral prayer can provide some solace and proper religious practice for the deceased. This can be done in absentia for someone who was cremated or lost.
Donate Good Deeds on Their Behalf
Giving charity, reciting Quran, or performing Hajj on their behalf can help make up for obligations they were unable to fulfill themselves. Good deeds can help alleviate suffering and expedite entry to Paradise.
Seek Forgiveness and Pray for Their Soul
Family and friends asking God for mercy and forgiveness for the deceased will also help their situation in the afterlife according to Islamic teachings. Their soul will benefit from heartfelt prayer.
Have a Belated Islamic Burial
If feasible, family members can work to eventually have an Islamic burial even if after the fact. This would entail exhuming any remains, transferring them to a Muslim cemetery, and interring them in the proper grave orientation. Though belated, it would provide the formal rites.
Conclusion
Being buried properly according to Islamic tradition is the expected procedure for Muslims who pass away. When circumstances prevent the typical burial rites from being performed, it is considered an unfortunate situation. According to Islamic eschatology, the soul potentially faces punishment, difficulty, and delays entering Paradise if the body was not buried in the prescribed manner. Though God is understanding and merciful regarding exceptional situations, it is still preferred to follow the burial sunnah whenever feasible. If that is impossible, steps like having a funeral prayer, giving charity on their behalf, and seeking forgiveness for them can provide some substitute comfort. In rare cases the body could be exhumed and reburied in an Islamic manner if practical. The Muslim community should be aware of these issues and make every reasonable effort to ensure the proper burial of members whenever possible.