Death is the end of the present life, but a Muslim believes in the life hereafter. Death is considered to be Allah's will. For Muslims, death is not the final end, but a temporary separation of soul from the body which will be brought back to life on the Day of Judgment. When a Muslim learns the news of a person's death, he says:
"Inna Lillahi wa Inna Ilaihi Raje'oun." (Verily, unto Allah do we belong and verily, unto Him shall we return--Quran 2:156).
Relatives and friends gather at the home of the deceased person, give comfort to the immediate family members, recite the Qur'an and pray for Allah's forgiveness and mercy for the dead.
It is the funeral and religious custom of Muslims to bury the body as soon as possible; cremation and routine autopsies are forbidden. The burial is the top priority after a person dies and must take place as soon as arrangements can be made.
No formalities or waiting for anybody should delay the burial. Therefore, friends and relatives expedite the process and complete the burial. For burial, the body is washed (a man by men and a woman by women).
Burial should take place in the most sober and dignified manner and the resources should be saved for the survivors rather than wasting them on an exorbitant burial.
The face showing is not in the culture of lslam, though close relatives may do so.
In the event of a male death, his widow must observe a waiting period of about four lunar months. She may get married after that period. This is necessary in order to determine her probable pregnancy with the deceased husband, and therefore the distribution of his bequest to his children.
The friends and relatives are obliged to keep the grieved family relieved of the burden of preparing meals for three days.
As part of the funeral and religious customs of Muslims, the recitation of the holy Qur'an is recommended by the bedside of a person about to die to facilitate the remembrance of Allah. The funeral prayer (service) is an obligation of Muslims. It should be observed by at least some, but not necessarily all.
Visiting the mourners during the first three days after the death is highly recommended.
Given lslam's emphasis on moderation and simplicity, gifts of flowers and candy are not suitable. Non-Muslim friends can show their sympathy and love in so many other ways, such as by being present at the funeral services or by paying a visit to the mourning family. Non-Muslim friends may express their sympathy to the bereaved family by saying that Allah show His Mercy to the deceased and forgive him/her.
