Janazah Guide

التَّلْقِين

If possible, gently turn the person to face the Qiblah. Recite Surah Yasin softly nearby. Prompt the Shahada once (talqeen) — whisper "Lā ilāha illā-llāh". Do not repeat or insist. Moisten the lips. Make du'a for ease.

إِنَّا لِلّهِ وَإِنَّـا إِلَيْهِ رَاجِعُونَ

Innā lillāhi wa innā ilayhi rājiʿūn

Indeed, to Allah we belong and to Him we shall return.

Gently close the eyes. Tie jaw closed with a strip of cloth. Remove all jewellery. Straighten limbs and bind ankles together. Cover with a clean cloth until ghusl. Recite the shahādah near them if they can still hear.

Inform close family first. Contact your local mosque immediately — they will guide ghusl arrangements and janazah prayer.

The GP or hospital doctor issues the Medical Certificate of Cause of Death (MCCD). The medical examiner's office will contact you when you can register.

Register within 5 days of being contacted by the medical examiner. Middlesbrough Register Office: 01642 729004. For urgent burial order, call Saturday 9–11am: 01642 726050.

الغسل

Same gender only. Minimum 4 people (6 for a female). All washers in wudhu. Body rinsed an odd number of times — 3, 5 or 7 — with the final rinse using camphor. Contact your mosque to arrange.

الكفن

White unstitched cloth — not silk. Men: 3 sheets. Women: 5 (+ scarf). Each sheet approx. 2.5 m in length — scaled to comfortably exceed the height of the deceased, with enough length to tie at head and feet. Scented with loban. Camphor rubbed on forehead, nose, palms, knees and feet. Do not place any Qur'anic verses inside the kafan.

حَمْلُ الْجَنَازَة

Carry the bier on the shoulders — at least 4 men, one at each corner, taking turns (sunnah). Walk at a measured pace — brisk but not running. Women do not follow the bier to the mosque but may attend the janazah prayer inside. Maintain silence or recite dhikr quietly.

صَلَاةُ الْجَنَازَة

The funeral prayer. Fard kifāyah — communal obligation. Held at mosque. Rows of three or more. No rukūʿ or sujūd.

الدفن

Burial should happen as soon as possible — ideally within 24 hours. Muslim sections available at Thorntree Cemetery (TS3 9RL) and Acklam Cemetery (TS5 7HD). Body placed on right side, facing Qiblah.