Muslims wear modest, loose-fitting clothing that covers the arms and legs at funerals, with colors often being white, grey, brown, or black, though modesty is the key, avoiding bright colors or flashy jewelry. Men usually wear trousers and a long-sleeved shirt, while women wear long dresses/skirts, full sleeves, and a headscarf (hijab), removing shoes before entering prayer areas.
White or dark coloured clothing is common at Muslim funerals
The most important thing is to cover your arms, legs, and chest. This rule applies to both men and women. Trousers and skirts are okay as long as they cover your ankles.
Muslim funeral etiquette for attendees
Dress modestly: Men should wear a shirt and trousers; women should wear a headscarf, ankle-length skirt, and long-sleeved top. Remove shoes before entering the prayer area, and wear clean socks.
The colour of mourning in Islam is white.
There are three days of mourning after death with the exception of widows, who must wear white for at least 40 days as a sign of bereavement. They must mourn their husbands for four months and ten days, a period known as Iddah.
There is no dress code for funerals in Islam. We wear our usual clothes when we attend funerals. Any color is acceptable. Usually, people wear light colors in empathy for the mourning family.
That's because, in the Islamic belief, humans are created from soil, to which they'll return and from which they'll be resurrected. So, even if the deceased left in his will that he'd like to be buried in a coffin, his family should not obey his wishes.
In Islam, the color green holds significant symbolism and is often associated with nature, life, and renewal. It is frequently referenced in religious texts and traditions, symbolizing paradise and the lush landscapes described in the Qur'an.
A funeral prayer, called Salaatul Janaazah, is usually held for the deceased by the local Muslim community, asking for God's mercy and blessings. Bodies are buried and cremation is forbidden in Islam. Muslims are not buried in coffins, but rather the shrouded body will be placed directly in the earth.
Islamic Mourning Traditions and Customs
While there is no Muslim funeral dress code specifically outlined in Islam's sacred writings, clothing should be conservative with subdued, darker colors. Women should wear ankle-length skirts, high-necked tops and a headscarf.
Women from the Muslim faith commonly do not attend the burial however should non-Muslim women wish to attend the advice given below should be noted. The dress code for Men and Women should be modest.
Cremation of the body is strictly forbidden in Islam and the body is buried without a casket and the head faces Mecca. Mourning for the deceased is observed for three days except for the widow who mourns for 4 months and 10 days.
“Inna lillahi wa inna ilayhi raji'un,” which translates to“Surely we belong to Allah and to Him shall we return.” This phrase serves as a reminder of the inevitability of death and that everything ultimately belongs to Allah.
It is respectful to wear dark, neutral colors like black, navy, or gray in conservative styles, such as a suit, dress, or tailored pants with a modest blouse or shirt to a funeral. Avoid bright, flashy colors, items that are too casual, over-sized items, and revealing or tight-fitting clothing.
However, unless specifically requested by the deceased or their family, you should avoid any bright colors such as yellows, oranges, pinks, and reds. In terms of accessories, a white shirt is the most common item of clothing to wear under a suit, while jewelry should be kept to a minimum and not too flashy.
Anyone attending Muslim funerals is expected to dress appropriately and modestly in white or dark-coloured clothes. For both men and women, their clothing should cover the knees. A headscarf is also encouraged for women.
Islam has strict laws regarding grieving. Muslims can cry but not with a loud voice. Otherwise, it would be seen as a lack of faith. The funeral service and mourning period are devoted to praying to Allah for forgiveness and meditating on the Qur'an, so wailing is seen as a disturbance.
7 Ways to Say Goodbye in Arabic
This hadith by Anas (May Allah be pleased with him) explains that when a person dies, they leave behind three things - their family members, their wealth and possessions, and their deeds.
A hadith in Sahih Muslim (no. 2101) mentions the Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) disliking pure red garments for men, but this is not a strict prohibition across all contexts. Women: No color is banned, but clothing should be modest, loose, and not transparent.
The color green is a symbol of prosperity and good life. It is mentioned in the noble Qur`an as the color of the garments and cushions of the people of paradise.
The color green is associated with Islam because it is believed to have been the Prophet Muhammad's favorite color. It is said he wore a green cloak and turban, and his teachings reference the color. The Qur'an states that green will be worn by the inhabitants of paradise.
To conclude, we believe strongly that the dead people could generally hear the speech of the living people, but the hearing might not be permanent. In fact, he might hear in some situations and not hear in others. For more benefit that the dead can hear, please refer to Fataawa 14762 and 14369. Allah knows best.
Islamic burial
While bodies are carried in coffins through the mosque, when it comes to burials, the body is removed and buried directly into the earth on its side. This is done so as to not disturb or pollute the ground.
In Islam, the dead are buried to comfort the living and house the soul till Yawm al-qiyāmah, or Day of Resurrection. The burial process, or Dafn, is about accepting death patiently and admitting that this is Allah, the Creator's verdict. It's a process that signals the dead's journey to Akherat, the afterlife.