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The Process

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My loved one has passed - What do I do?

This is a step by step guide to the process of completing a burial in the United Kingdom for TPICA members.

The process can be broken down into the following 3 phases:

Phase 1

Registering the Death

Phase 2

Arranging the Funeral

Phase 3

The Burial Day

TPICA is a community based, non profit funeral service that supports the community when volunteers are available. As this service is provided by volunteers, we may not always be able to provide assistance when required. In such circumstances, you may need to contact a Funeral Director, who may charge a fee for their services.

Phase 1: Registering the Death

Registering the death is the first official step and must be completed before burial arrangements can proceed. To make this as straightforward as possible, we have outlined the process into five easy steps, covering everything from notifying the appropriate authorities to obtaining the required documentation under UK law.

We guide families through each step, working closely with local mosques and registrars to ensure everything is completed correctly and without unnecessary delay.

Actioned by: Relative of the deceased

Contact the mosque which is local to the deceased person. Ask for the contact details of the TPICA volunteer. 

Reach out to TPICA volunteer and inform them of the full name / address of the deceased person or member number (TP or WG number)

Once the registration is complete, the Registrar will issue the following essential documents:

Certificate for Burial or Cremation

AKA The “Green Form”

Cost: FREE

The Legal Permit. This essential document authorises the burial and must be given to the funeral director or the burial/cremation authority.

Certificate of Registration of Death

AKA Form BD8

Cost: FREE

Government Notification. This form informs the DWP about pensions and benefits and may link to the Tell Us Once service.

Certified Copy of the Death Certificate

AKA The Death Certificate

Cost: FREE

Legal Proof for Assets. This confirms the death and is used to manage the deceased’s estate with banks, pensions, and insurance providers.

Note on Coroner's Cases

If the death was referred to and investigated by the Coroner, the legal document that permits the funeral is different:

  • The Registrar will not issue the Green Form.
  • Instead the death is referred to the Coroner who opens an investigation, which may include ordering a post-mortem examination.
  • The outcome of the Coroners investigation determines which document is issued.

The Outcomes of the Investigation are as follows:

  1. Cause of Death Established (No Inquest Needed)
    The Coroner sends the cause of death information directly to the Registrar. The Registrar then issues the Order for Burial (or the Coroner may issue it directly)
  2. Inquest is Opened
    If the COD is unclear or a formal inquiry is required, the Coroner opens an inquest and issues a Coroner’s Certificate of Burial (Form 101), allowing the burial to proceed before the inquest is concluded.

Required Documents for Registering the Death

Medical Certificate of Cause of Death (MCCD) (Received by Registrar electronically). The Information required is as follows:

  • Full name and any former names (including maiden name).
  • Date and place of birth.
  • Last occupation.
  • Usual home address.
  • Full name, date of birth, and occupation of surviving or late spouse/civil partner.
  • Whether they were receiving any public funds (e.g., State Pension).

Other Helpful Documents (Non-essential):

  • Birth certificate
  • NHS medical card/number
  • Marriage or Civil Partnership certificate
  • Passport or driving licence
  • Proof of your own address (Relative/informant)

Phase 2: Arranging the Funeral

  1. Inform TPICA volunteer estimated day/time of release of body 
  2. Inform TPICA volunteer day/time arranged to attend the Registrar
    This will enable TPICA volunteer the time needed to arrange for the following:

    1. Request volunteers to carry out the Islamic obligations (Ghusul/Shroud)(if required)
    2. Preparing the grave 
    3. Arrange the ambulance 

      • The ambulance used by TPICA is provided as a community service for use during burials. This is a third party service and, therefore, availability cannot be guaranteed when required.  Any parking fines or toll charges incurred while using the ambulance are the responsibility of the driver.

    4. The relative/appointed person takes the body to the designated masjid for Ghusl.
    5. Islamic obligations are performed and the body is left in a purified state and wrapped in the shroud

Phase 3: The Burial Day

Upon the pre-arranged Janaza time, the following sequence of events will occur

  1. Salat – Janazah is performed at the local masjid or at the cemetery.
  2. Body is taken to the cemetery in the ambulance.
  3. Body is lowered in its final resting place.
  4. The grave is filled as the rest of the rites are performed.
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