Muslim funerals in Australia: rites, customs and what to expect

Islamic funeral practice is built around three principles: speed, simplicity, and dignity. The body should be washed, shrouded, prayed over, and buried as quickly as possible after death. There is no embalming, no viewing, no elaborate coffin. The rites are the same whether the deceased was wealthy or poor.

Australia's Muslim community, numbering over 800,000 at the 2021 Census, is ethnically diverse (Lebanese, Turkish, Indonesian, Somali, Afghan, Pakistani, Bosnian, and many others). While the core funeral rites are consistent across these communities, some cultural customs vary. This guide covers the shared Islamic requirements and notes where Sunni and Shia practice differs.

The Australian National Imams Council (ANIC) provides religious guidance for Muslim funerals in Australia.

Immediately after death

When a Muslim person dies, the family recites "Inna lillahi wa inna ilayhi raji'un" ("To God we belong and to God we return"). The eyes and mouth of the deceased are closed, and the body is covered with a clean sheet.

The family contacts the imam and begins organising burial. The priority is speed. Islamic teaching calls for burial on the same day if possible, or the following day at the latest. Delays are accepted only when necessary (waiting for a coroner's release, for interstate family, or for administrative paperwork).

Ghusl (ritual washing)

The body is washed in a ritual called ghusl. This is performed by same-gender family members or trained community volunteers. A wife may wash her husband, and a husband may wash his wife.

The washing follows a set sequence: the body is washed an odd number of times (typically three or five), starting from the right side. Water mixed with lotus leaves or camphor is used. The body is handled gently throughout, and the washer's gaze is lowered out of respect for the deceased's modesty.

During the COVID-19 pandemic, the Australian National Imams Council issued guidance allowing washers to wipe over sealed body bags with a damp cloth when full ghusl was not possible due to health orders. This was a significant concession and reflected the practical challenges Australian Muslim communities faced during lockdowns.

Kafan (shrouding)

After ghusl, the body is wrapped in kafan: unstitched white cotton or linen cloth. A man is typically wrapped in three pieces of cloth; a woman in five. The shroud is simple, unadorned, and identical for everyone regardless of social status.

No perfume, jewellery, or personal items are placed with the body. The hands are placed straight at the sides (not crossed over the chest, which is a common misconception).

Janazah (funeral prayer)

The janazah prayer is the congregational funeral prayer, typically held at a mosque, prayer hall, or outdoor prayer area. It can also be held at the cemetery.

The entire congregation stands for the janazah. There is no bowing or prostrating as in regular prayer. The imam leads four takbirs (recitations of "Allahu Akbar"), with specific prayers recited silently between each one. The prayer is short, typically 10 to 15 minutes.

The janazah is an obligation on the Muslim community (fard kifayah): if a sufficient number of community members attend and pray, the obligation is fulfilled for all. In practice, Muslim funerals in Australia are often very well attended, with community members making significant efforts to be present.

A eulogy or speech about the deceased is not part of the janazah prayer itself. Some communities hold a brief remembrance before or after the prayer, but the formal rite is prayer only.

At the cemetery

The body is transported to the cemetery and buried as quickly as possible after the janazah prayer.

Qibla orientation. The body is placed in the grave on its right side, facing the qibla (the direction of Mecca). In Australia, this means the body faces roughly northwest, though the exact bearing varies by city. Cemeteries with designated Muslim sections orient the graves accordingly. Some Australian councils (such as Ipswich City Council in Queensland) have specifically investigated north-south grave orientations to allow bodies to face Mecca perpendicularly.

No coffin (where possible). Islamic preference is for the shrouded body to be placed directly in the earth, without a coffin. In Australia, health regulations typically require a coffin for transport from the funeral home to the cemetery. Many Muslim families use a reusable transport coffin: the coffin is used for transport, the shrouded body is removed at the graveside and placed directly into the grave, and the coffin is returned to the funeral director.

Burial. Attendees help fill the grave with earth. The imam recites prayers at the graveside. The grave is typically raised slightly above ground level (a small mound) rather than being levelled flat. Headstones in Muslim cemeteries are usually simple, with the deceased's name, dates, and a Quranic verse.

Flowers, flags, crosses, and other non-Islamic symbols are not placed at the grave.

Mourning period

The general mourning period in Islam is three days. During this time, the family receives visitors and the community brings food. Extended mourning beyond three days is discouraged for most family members, though grief is expected and respected.

The exception is for a wife mourning her husband. The iddah (waiting period) is four months and ten days. During iddah, the wife traditionally stays in the family home, does not wear perfume or decorative clothing, and does not remarry.

Sunni and Shia differences

The core rites (ghusl, kafan, janazah, burial) are the same across Sunni and Shia Islam. The differences are in detail rather than in structure.

In Shia practice, a turba (a small clay tablet made from the soil of Karbala) may be placed in the grave near the deceased's forehead. Shia mourning gatherings (majlis) may include recitation of elegies and poetry commemorating the martyrdom of Imam Hussein, particularly if the death falls near the month of Muharram.

Some Shia communities hold mourning gatherings on the 3rd, 7th, and 40th days after death, paralleling Orthodox Christian memorial cycles. Sunni communities generally observe the three-day mourning period without fixed memorial dates.

These differences are cultural and denominational rather than fundamental. A Sunni imam can lead the janazah for a Shia Muslim, and vice versa.

Same-day burial in Australia

Same-day burial is the strongest preference in Islamic practice, and Australian law permits it. However, the administrative requirements can create delays.

A doctor must issue the medical cause of death certificate. The death must be registered (or the registration process started). The funeral director and cemetery must be available at short notice. In NSW, Jewish and Muslim community leaders have reported that the inability to submit death transfer forms electronically causes delays that push burials to the following day.

Some Australian cemeteries have adapted to serve the Muslim community's needs. Guildford Cemetery and Rockingham Regional Memorial Park in Western Australia both accommodate short-notice Muslim burials.

Same-day funeral logistics (Muslim, Jewish, Hindu) covers the administrative process in detail.

What to expect if you are attending

Muslim funerals are open to non-Muslims. Dress modestly and conservatively (long sleeves, long trousers or skirts). Women should bring a scarf to cover their hair if the janazah is held at a mosque. Remove shoes before entering the prayer area.

The janazah prayer is short. Non-Muslims may stand respectfully during the prayer without participating in the recitations. At the cemetery, guests may help shovel earth into the grave if invited.

Do not bring flowers. Charity donations in the name of the deceased are the appropriate alternative. Do not bring food or drink to the mosque or prayer area.

Condolence visits to the family's home in the days following the funeral are welcomed. Bringing food for the family is appreciated.

Related information

• Same-day funeral logistics (Muslim, Jewish, Hindu)
• How much does a funeral cost in Australia?
• Burial costs explained
• Find a Muslim funeral director
• Back to: Australian funeral traditions

Frequently asked questions

What happens at a Muslim funeral?

The body is washed (ghusl), shrouded in white cloth (kafan), and prayed over (janazah prayer) by the congregation standing. The body is then buried as quickly as possible, ideally on the same day. The body is placed on its right side facing Mecca.

Does Islam allow cremation?

No. Cremation is strictly forbidden in Islam. The body must be buried in the earth.

Why do Muslim families want same-day burial?

Islamic teaching requires burial as soon as practicable. In Australia, same-day burial is legally possible but requires rapid coordination with doctors, registries, and cemeteries. Administrative paperwork is the most common cause of delay.

Can non-Muslims attend a Muslim funeral?

Yes. Dress modestly, remove shoes at the mosque, and women should cover their hair. The janazah prayer is short (10 to 15 minutes). Do not bring flowers; charity donations are preferred.

What is the difference between Sunni and Shia funerals?

The core rites are the same. Shia practice may include a turba (clay tablet) in the grave and mourning gatherings with elegies. Some Shia communities hold memorials on the 3rd, 7th, and 40th days. Sunni communities generally observe a three-day mourning period.