janazah

Burial (Dafn al‑Mayyit)

Dafn al‑Mayyit focuses on the burial process. Follow local laws and cemetery regulations, and coordinate with your masjid lead throughout. The steps below provide a clear structure for transport, gravesite setup, lowering, backfilling, and concluding supplications.

Before you depart

  • Confirm paperwork, permits, and cemetery plot details.
  • Coordinate transport from masjid to cemetery.
  • Ensure shroud is secure; nothing exposed.
  • Bring gloves, shovels (if permitted), and towels.
  • Assign clear roles for lowering and safety spotters.

Always comply with cemetery staff directions. If a practice differs locally, follow the masjid lead and cemetery policy.

Transport and arrival

  1. Load gently; keep the head elevated if possible.
  2. Drive steadily; avoid abrupt stops.
  3. Park per staff instruction; keep access paths clear.
  4. Carry with dignity; head first, coordinated steps.

Cemetery coordination

  1. Meet staff; verify plot and orientation.
  2. Confirm who lowers, who spots, and who directs dua.
  3. Review any equipment: boards, straps, or lowering device.
  4. Ensure space is safe and attendees stand back.

Grave preparation checks

  • Qibla orientation marked; body will face the Qibla.
  • Depth/width per cemetery guidance; side niche (lahd) if allowed.
  • Boards or supports ready to shield the body from direct soil if customary/required.
  • Privacy and safety maintained; tools staged neatly.

Lowering and placement

  1. Position lowerers evenly; confirm hand grips/straps.
  2. Lower gently and steadily on the count of the lead.
  3. Place the body on its right side facing Qibla; support as needed.
  4. Untie head/foot knots if local practice permits.
  5. Recite appropriate supplications as guided by the imam.

Backfilling and dua

  1. Place boards or cover the niche if part of local practice.
  2. Backfill carefully; avoid stepping on the grave.
  3. Form a gentle mound; tidy edges for stability.
  4. Make dua for forgiveness and steadfastness (thabat) for the deceased.
  5. Pour water lightly over the grave if practiced locally and permitted.

After burial

  • Place a simple marker per cemetery rules; avoid elaborate headstones if local guidance discourages.
  • Offer condolences; encourage continued dua and sadaqah jariyah on behalf of the deceased.
  • Ensure the area is clean; return tools and thank staff.
  • Coordinate any paperwork closeout with cemetery office.

Notes on differences

  • Some regions require a vault or liner—comply with legal requirements.
  • Lahd (side niche) vs shaqq (central trench) varies by ground and policy; follow the masjid lead.
  • Local customs for recitations at the graveside differ; prioritize authentic supplications and avoid crowding.