Islamic Funeral in Finland – Traditions and Practices
· 2 min read
Summary
An Islamic funeral in Finland follows the religious principles of Islam, adapted to Finnish legislation and practices. The funeral includes ritual washing, wrapping in shrouds, the Janaza prayer, and coffin burial. Islam prohibits cremation, and the deceased is buried facing Mecca. The Burial Act 457/2003 and the Freedom of Religion Act 453/2003 safeguard the right of Muslims to be buried in accordance with their convictions.
Ritual washing and shrouds
The first stage of an Islamic funeral is ritual washing, or ghusl. Community members of the same sex wash the body of the deceased three times or more with clean water. After washing, the deceased is wrapped in white cotton shrouds called kafan. Three layers of cloth are used for men and five for women. The washing and wrapping are religious duties, carried out respectfully and in silence.
Janaza prayer
The Janaza prayer is the Islamic funeral prayer performed on behalf of the deceased before burial. The prayer is conducted standing, without bowing or kneeling. Led by an imam, the prayer includes four takbirs (utterances of Allahu Akbar), prayers, and dua supplications. The Janaza prayer can be held in a mosque, a prayer room, or outdoors at the cemetery. The prayer is a communal obligation, and the participation of as many Muslims as possible is encouraged.
Burial
In Islamic tradition, the deceased is buried in a coffin or directly in the ground wrapped in shrouds. In Finland, a coffin is used in accordance with Finnish law. The coffin is lowered into the grave so that the deceased's face points towards Mecca. The grave is filled with earth, and participants may throw three handfuls of soil into the grave. The headstone is simple, and extravagance is avoided in accordance with Islamic tradition.
Practices in Finland
In Finland, many cemeteries have sections reserved for Muslims, and more areas are being opened as the need grows. Islamic communities and funeral homes assist with the arrangements. The rapid arrangement of the burial often requires flexibility from the authorities. The Freedom of Religion Act 453/2003 safeguards the right to a funeral in accordance with one's religion, and municipalities are obliged under the Burial Act to provide burial plots for all residents regardless of their convictions.
Frequently asked questions
How quickly should an Islamic funeral be arranged?
According to Islamic tradition, the funeral should be arranged as soon as possible after death, preferably within 24 hours. In Finland this is not always possible due to practical and legal reasons, such as determining the cause of death or securing a burial plot. Under Finnish law, the deceased must be buried within one month of death. Islamic communities and funeral homes strive to arrange the burial as quickly as circumstances allow.
Does Islam accept cremation?
No, cremation is not an approved burial method in Islamic doctrine. Islamic tradition requires coffin burial, and the integrity of the body is an important principle. In Finland, Muslims are buried by coffin burial, and many cemeteries have their own sections for Muslim burials. The Burial Act 457/2003 safeguards the right to be buried in accordance with one's convictions, and municipalities are obliged to provide burial plots for everyone.
What does ritual washing mean?
Ritual washing, or ghusl, is the first stage of an Islamic funeral. The body of the deceased is washed three or more times with clean water according to a specific ritual procedure. The washing is performed by community members of the same sex. After washing, the deceased is wrapped in white shrouds called kafan. The washing symbolises purification and preparation for standing before God. In Finland, ritual washing is usually carried out at a funeral home or hospital facility.
How does a Muslim burial plot differ from a regular one?
In a Muslim burial plot, the deceased is buried so that the face points towards Mecca — that is, towards the southeast in Finland. The burial plot is usually in its own section of the cemetery, separate from other religions. The grave is typically simple, without elaborate headstones, and is marked modestly. Many Finnish cities have sections reserved for Muslims in their cemeteries, and more are being opened as needed.
Can non-Muslims attend an Islamic funeral ceremony?
Yes, non-Muslims can attend the funeral, but it is good to be familiar with the basic customs. The Janaza prayer is the actual Islamic funeral prayer, in which primarily Muslims participate. Everyone is welcome to the memorial service and condolences. In dress, covering and subdued clothing is preferred. A headscarf is recommended but not required for women. Respect the customs of the family and community.
Read also
Jewish funeral in Finland: tahara washing, shiva mourning period, funeral traditions, and practices. A guide to the distinctive features of Jewish funerals.
Multicultural funeral in Finland: funeral traditions of different cultures, rights guaranteed by law, and practical arrangements in a multicultural setting.
Religious symbols at funerals: the cross, candle, star, and other symbols in different religions. A guide to the meanings of symbols at funerals.