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Islam
Islam is the Muslim religion in which the supreme god is Allah, and the founder and chief prophet is Mohammed. Muslims try to bury their loved ones as soon as possible after the death has occurred, usually within 24 to 48 hours. World religions like Islam that believe in the resurrection of the body bury their members. Therefore, cremation is strictly prohibited.
When a Muslim dies, regardless of the location of death, the body has to be washed according to their religious rites. This purification ritual must take place immediately. If death occurs in a Muslim's homeland the cleansing ceremony is often done by family. Elsewhere, if available, the ritual is performed in the preparation room. As it is private, no one from the funeral home will be present. The body of the deceased is washed, wrapped in a shroud and placed in a simple wooden casket.
The funeral service may take place at either a mosque or funeral home. It is a simple ceremony and because of the Islamic belief that one comes into the world with nothing and should go out of the world with nothing, it is completely free of gifts of any kind.
If the service is held at the Mosque, men and women will sit in separate areas. It is appropriate for visitors to also do the same. However, visitors are not expected to participate in prayers. As for the appropriate attire, men and women should cover all parts of their body. Colour restrictions may also apply.
A graveside committal service is also held, but women are not obligated to attend. They do, however, attend the graveside every week until a forty-day mourning period is complete. An Islamic priest, or Imam, conducts the service at the cemetery to ensure that the deceased is properly placed under the complete directives of Allah.
After the burial there is no formal reception, but it is appropriate to offer condolences to the family, though it need not be immediately afterwards. This time varies with the wishes of the family. It is not appropriate to send flowers; however, memorial donations are acceptable.
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