Islam

Islamic mourning traditions provide ritual and structure for Muslims going through the  process of
grieving the loss of a loved one. Islamic mourning rituals, which vary slightly by sect and location,
provide comfort and strength for the family. A firm belief in life after death is a foundational truth in
Islam. Grief should be processed with the understanding that death is not the end of life, but a transition
to an eternal one.
https://www.econdolence.com/learning-center/religion-and-culture/islam/islam-periods-of-mourning/

How Islam respond to:

Dying
Muslims are always buried, never cremated. It is a religious requirement that the body be ritually
washed and draped before burial, which should be as soon as possible after death. The dying person is
encouraged to recite and declare his or her faith. When a Muslim dies his or her face should be turned
right facing towards Makkah (127 South-east from United Kingdom). The arms and legs should be
straightened and the mouth and eyes closed; and the body covered with a sheet. A baby dying at or
before birth has to have a name.
https://www.newstatesman.com/politics/2009/04/holy-qur-muslims-life-death
Grief
Islamic mourning rituals include prayer, readings from the Qur’an and moments of private meditation
and reflection upon the goodness of God and the brevity of life. While sorrow and tears are an expected
response to the loss of a loved one, Muslims will strive to express grief in a reserved and dignified
manner. Loud wailing or prolonged outbursts of grief would be considered inappropriate because they
demonstrate a weakness of faith.
While there is no Muslim funeral dress code specifically outlined in Islam’s sacred writings, clothing
should be conservative with subdued, darker colors. Women should wear ankle-length skirts, high-
necked tops and a headscarf. People attending the funeral will be asked to remove their shoes before
going into the time of prayer. Socks or stockings should be conservative and presentable. Visiting some
homes will require the same tradition. Widows have additional mourning rituals and customs that
govern their behavior.
In Islam, Mourning over the dead is allowed but there is a great difference
between what is allowed Islamically and the practice of some Muslims at
the present time. Grief at the death of a beloved person is normal, and
weeping for the dead is allowed in Islam.
What is prohibited is to express grief by wailing (Bewailing refers to
mourning in a loud voice), shrieking, beating the chest and cheeks, tearing
hair or clothes, breaking things or scratching faces or saying phrases that
makes a Muslim lose faith. All of this is totally prohibited, and the deceased
may feel pain by these actions.
https://en.islamway.net/article/47591/mourning-the-dead

Condolences could be offered through sympathy cards and notes, or from

a personal phone call. Sending flowers to the family’s home may be
appropriate for some families, but not others, so it is best to ask a local
religious leader or someone close to the family if you can. While many
friends will make an in-person visit to the home, cemetery or mosque, the
practice is not actually prescribed in the Qur’an. It is believed, however,
that socializing helps the family cope with their loss.