The final Islamic burial process, known as Dafn, is characterized by its simplicity, speed, and deep adherence to tradition. It typically takes place immediately after the Salāt al-Janāzah (funeral prayer)
Transport and Timing
- Speed is Essential: Islamic tradition emphasizes burying the deceased as quickly as possible—ideally within 24 hours of death—to honour the departed soul and minimize the disruption caused by the death.
- Silence and Reflection: When carrying the body (in its Kafan and usually placed in a simple wooden coffin or carrier, which is removed before burial in most Muslim cemeteries), those accompanying the procession are encouraged to be silent and reflect on the reality of death and the afterlife.
The Grave (Qabr)
- Orientation: The grave is dug perpendicular to the Qiblah (the direction of Mecca). When the body is placed in the grave, it must be on its right side, facing the Qiblah.
- Type of Grave: There are two main traditional types of graves:
- Lāhd (Side Niche): A narrow recess is dug into the side wall of the grave nearest the Qiblah. The body is placed in this niche, which is then covered with unbaked bricks or stones before the grave is filled with soil. This is considered the preferred method according to the Sunnah.
- Shaqq (Center Ditch): A trench is dug in the bottom centre of the grave. The body is placed in the trench, which is then covered with wooden planks or flat stones before the soil is returned.
Lowering the Body
- Responsibility: The body is lowered into the grave by the nearest male relatives (sons, father, brothers) or other pious men of the community.
- Placing the Body: Before the body is placed, the ties of the Kafan (shroud) at the head and feet are typically loosened. The body is then gently laid on its right side, directly in contact with the earth, facing the Qiblah. In many Muslim cemeteries outside Muslim countries, the body is placed directly into the earth, sometimes without the use of a Lāhd or Shaqq, but always facing the Qiblah.
- Recitation: As the body is lowered, those placing it may recite:
“Bismillāh wa ‘alā millati Rasūlillāh”
(In the name of Allah and according to the way of the Messenger of Allah.)
Filling the Grave
- Earthen Fill: The grave is filled with soil. It is encouraged for attendees to symbolically participate by pouring three handfuls of soil into the grave.
There is a specific short set of verses that is recommended to be recited. This practice, though not mandatory, is done to serve as a reminder of the cycle of life, death, and resurrection.
| Handful | Arabic Script | Transliteration | English Meaning |
| First | مِنْهَا خَلَقْنَاكُمْ | Minhā khalaqnākum | From it (the earth) We created you |
| Second | وَفِيهَا نُعِيدُكُمْ | Wa fīhā nu’īdukum | and into it We shall return you |
| Third | وَمِنْهَا نُخْرِجُكُمْ تَارَةً أُخْرَىٰ | Wa minhā nukhrijukum tāratan ukhrā | and from it We shall bring you out once again |
These phrases are taken directly from the Qur’an, Sūrat Ṭā Hā (Chapter 20, verse 55)
- Grave Shape: After being filled, the grave should be marked with a slight mound, raised only about a handspan above the ground. It is forbidden to build elaborate structures, headstones, or tombs over the grave.
- Simple Marker: A simple stone or wooden marker is allowed only to identify the deceased’s name.
Final Supplication (Du’ā’)
- Seeking Steadfastness: Once the grave is fully covered, the attendees stand around the gravesite, and the Imam or a learned person leads, (there is debate if the dua is conducted communally or individually) (Allah knows best)
- The community asks Allah to forgive the deceased and grant them steadfastness (Thabāt) in responding to the angels Munkar and Nakir, who tradition says will question the soul immediately after burial.
The simplicity of the burial reinforces the Islamic concept that all people are equal in death, and only their deeds will accompany them into the next life.
The final dua
(Note: The pronoun ‘lahu’ is masculine. If the deceased is female, the feminine pronoun ‘lahā’ is used: Allāhumma-ghfir lahā)
اللَّهُمَّ اغْفِرْ لَهُ وَارْحَمْهُ وَعَافِهِ وَاعْفُ عَنْهُ وَأَكْرِمْ نُزُلَهُ وَوَسِّعْ مُدْخَلَهُ وَاغْسِلْهُ بِالْمَاءِ وَالثَّلْجِ وَالْبَرَدِ وَنَقِّهِ مِنَ الْخَطَايَا كَمَا يُنَقَّى الثَّوْبُ الأَبْيَضُ مِنَ الدَّنَسِ
Transliteration
Allāhumma-ghfir lahu war-ḥamhu wa ‘āfihi wa-‘fu ‘anhu wa-akrim nuzulahu wa-wassi‘ mudkhalahu waghsilhu bil-mā’i wath-thalji wal-barad. Wa naqqihi min al-khaṭāyā kamā yunaqqa ath-thawbu al-abyaḍu min ad-danas.
Translation
O Allah, forgive him, have mercy upon him, grant him ease and pardon him. Make his entrance (to the grave) honorable, widen his entrance, and cleanse him with water, snow, and hail. And purify him from sins as a white garment is purified from filth.
The Importance of Thabāt (Steadfastness)
The emphasis on asking for steadfastness (Thabāt) relates to the Islamic belief that immediately after the burial, the deceased will be questioned in the grave by two angels, Munkar and Nakir, about their Lord, their religion, and their Prophet. The ability to answer these questions correctly depends on the sincerity of one’s faith and actions in life. This Du’ā’ is the community’s final plea to Allah to help the deceased pass this first trial of the afterlife.
