Dundee Muslim Funeral Services Policy
Effective Date: August 2024
Review Date: August 2025
Responsible Body: Dundee Islamic Society
1. Purpose and Scope
The purpose of this policy is to provide clear guidelines for the management and conduct of funeral services at Dundee Muslim Funeral Services, under the auspices of the Dundee Islamic Society. The policy ensures that all funeral arrangements are carried out in accordance with Islamic principles, local laws, and in a manner that respects the wishes of the deceased and their families.
2. Islamic Principles
The funeral services shall adhere strictly to the Islamic guidelines for death and burial, including but not limited to:
• Ghusl (Washing of the Body): The body must be washed and shrouded according to Islamic practices and should be done just prior to burial.
• Salat al-Janazah (Funeral Prayer): The funeral prayer must be conducted before burial at Dundee Central Mosque.
• Burial: The deceased should be buried as soon as possible after death, with the head facing towards Mecca (Qibla).
3. Notification:
o Upon the death of a Muslim individual, the family or next of kin must notify Dundee Muslim Funeral Services as soon as possible. o A designated contact number will be available 24/7 for emergencies.
2. Documentation:
o The family must provide necessary documentation, including the death certificate, for legal purposes. o All documents will be handled with confidentiality and in compliance with GDPR.
3. Ghusl (Washing):
o Ghusl must be performed by trained individuals of the same gender as the deceased, unless there are specific exceptions as per Islamic rulings. o The family may participate in the ghusl if they wish.
4. Shrouding (Kafan):
o The body will be shrouded in simple white cloth (kafan) as per Sunnah and a simple coffin shall be provided.
5. Funeral Prayer (Salat al-Janazah):
o The Janazah prayer will be held at the mosque or an appropriate location before the burial. o The community will be notified to attend the prayer.
6. Burial:
o The burial will take place in a designated Muslim cemetery or section, ensuring that all Islamic burial practices are observed. o All members of family and community should be present at the burial to maintain decorum.
7. Post-Burial Services:
o Support services will be offered to the bereaved family, spiritual guidance.
8. Guests and attendees serving of food
o We shall support the family to arrange and serve food after the funeral service for guests. However, the timings must be agreed and arranged with the committee or trustees. o We recommend the family have their own volunteers to help set up and clean the upstairs mosque hall before and after they are finished.
9. Ta`ziyat for the deceased
o Ta`ziyat is recommended within the first three days and can be arranged. There is no food allowed at the programmes.
4. Fees and Financial Assistance
• Service Fees: A transparent fee structure will be maintained for all services provided and the family shall be notified from the outset. This will cover, collection, refrigerated storage, ghusl, shrouding, supply a simple coffin, transport, and burial.
• Financial Assistance: The Dundee Islamic Society will provide financial assistance to families in need, ensuring that no one is denied a dignified funeral due to financial constraints.
• Fees: The family will be advised to pay all costs prior to funeral via bank transfer or cash at the mosque.
5. Health and Safety
• All activities, including the handling of the body, must comply with health and safety regulations.
• While the body is being stored access shall be denied and mortuary shall be locked unless special circumstances and arranged with Trustees.
• Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) must be used by those performing ghusl.
• The premises and equipment used must be maintained in a clean and sanitary condition.
7. Respect and Privacy
• The dignity and privacy of the deceased and their family will be always upheld.
• Photographs and video recordings during the funeral process are strictly prohibited unless prior consent is obtained from the family.
8. Community Involvement
• The policy encourages community involvement and volunteers to support funeral services, particularly in providing emotional and spiritual support to the bereaved families.
• Educational sessions on Islamic funeral rites will be conducted periodically for community awareness.
9. Policy Review
• This policy will be reviewed annually by the Dundee Islamic Society to ensure it remains current and relevant.
• Feedback from the community will be sought and incorporated into the policy review process.
10. Contact Information
For any inquiries or to arrange a funeral service, please contact:
• Phone: Zia Rehman 07773 398233 or Afzal Mohammed 0797 0906747
• Email: dmfuneralservice@gmail.com
• Address: Dundee Muslim Funeral Services, Dundee Islamic Society, 6 Milne St, Dundee, DD1 5BZ
• Chairman: Rizvan Aboobaker
