Islam

The funeral rituals of every religion are different yet they have their similarities. When one passes, the process always begins with preparation which often includes the washing of the body. The next step in the process is the funeral procession which is filled with many rituals of profound significance. And finally, the deceased is laid to rest. No matter the race or religion: the living carries out these rituals to help the dead rest in peace. Each ritual is crucial and holds significant meaning. Unfortunately, cultural heritage loss is inevitable. Over time, some practices have been overlooked or completely forgotten. The significance of each practice may have faded too.

Preparation of Body

Funeral procession

Burial/cremation

Religion

Scene of a Chinese funeral procession.jpg

Taoism

Hinduism

Islam

Reigion

Islam

Death in the Islamic faith is seen as loss for the entire Muslim community. Traditionally, only men are allowed at the burial rite but in Singapore today — all mourners are allowed to be present. The deceased’s body is first washed and then buried within 24 hours after death. The entire family partakes in prayers. The immediate family will then offer lamentations which is the passionate expression of grief; weeping. The grave is then covered in soil and the Iman will read a “Talkin” (a funeral sermon). Cremation is impermissible in the Islam faith. In Singapore where the burial period for all graves is limited to 15 years, the exhumed remains will be re-buried in smaller, individual plots. This is known as the Crypt Burial System.

Understanding Islamic Funeral Rituals

2019

[Video]
4 min 34s

In Singapore, Muslims practice a prayer called the Talqin. The prayer reminds the living that they cannot take their ranks and material wealth with them when they pass.

Credit: Video from Our Grandfather Story

[Burial of Nur Hazimah Binte Mustafa]

2016

Photograph
848 x 566 px

Burial of Nur Hazimah Binte Mustafa without the coffin, facing the Qibla (direction of the Mecca). A funeral sermon is to be read to after to complete the burial.

Credit: Picture from an article published on Asia One

A Malay funeral procession

1938-1939

Black and White Photograph
8.5 x 11.6 cm

Collection of National Museum of Singapore

This photograph belonged to A Royal Airforce (RAF) pilot. He had served in Singapore, Ceylon and the Pacific between 1938 and 1939 and was stationed at the Seletar Airbase.

Credit: Picture from Roots.sg

Ritual Cloth

Late 19th - Early 20th Century

Cloth
L200.5 x W130 cm

Collection of Asian Civilisation Museum

The ritual cloth is used in North Sumatra to shroud the deceased to protect their privacy and dignity. In Singapore, plain white cloth is used instead.

Credit: Picture from Roots.sg