Muslim Funeral Singapore: Islamic Burial Process & Costs

Islamic Funeral Principles

Muslim funerals in Singapore strictly adhere to Islamic teachings, emphasizing simplicity, dignity, and swift burial:

• Speed: Burial must occur as soon as possible, ideally within 24 hours of death
• Simplicity: No elaborate displays; focus on prayers and remembrance of Allah
• Equality: All Muslims buried similarly regardless of wealth or status
• Direct earth burial: Cremation is forbidden; body must be buried in earth
• Modesty: Body handled respectfully and kept covered throughout

The Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) said: "Hasten the funeral procession, for if the deceased was righteous, it is good you are advancing him towards; and if he was otherwise, then it is an evil that you are removing from your necks."(Bukhari & Muslim)

The Muslim Funeral Process in Singapore

1. Immediate Steps After Death

When a Muslim passes away in Singapore:

• Contact a Muslim funeral service provider immediately (available 24/7)
• Notify the mosque and family members
• Register death with ICA (hospital will assist if death occurred there)
• Arrange for body collection – funeral provider handles transport

2. Washing the Body (Mandikan)

The deceased's body is ritually washed according to Islamic rites:

• Who performs it: Same-gender family members or trained professionals
• Process: Body washed with clean water (often with fragrant substances like camphor)
• Privacy: Done in a designated washing facility, maintaining dignity
• Number of washes: Typically washed an odd number of times (3, 5, or 7)

Most families opt for funeral service providers to conduct the washing professionally while family oversees.

3. Shrouding (Kafan)

After washing, the body is wrapped in a simple white cloth (kafan):

• Material: Plain white cotton cloth (no decorations or colors)
• For men: Three pieces of cloth
• For women: Five pieces of cloth
• Cost: Usually included in funeral package ($50-$100 if separate)

The simplicity of the kafan reflects Islamic principles of equality before Allah – rich and poor alike return to earth in the same humble manner.

4. Funeral Prayer (Janazah)

The Janazah prayer (Salat al-Janazah) is a communal prayer for the deceased:

• Location: Mosque (most common) or at the burial ground
• Timing: After washing and shrouding, before burial
• Participants: Men typically attend; women may participate but it's not obligatory
• Format: Standing prayer with no bowing or prostration
• Duration: Brief (5-10 minutes)

The prayer includes supplications for forgiveness and mercy for the deceased. It is considered a communal obligation (fard kifayah) – meaning enough Muslims must be present to fulfill the duty.

5. Burial at Pusara Abadi

Singapore has one main Muslim cemetery: Pusara Abadi (Eternal Resting Place) at Choa Chu Kang.

• Location: Lim Chu Kang Road (western Singapore)
• Managed by: Islamic Religious Council of Singapore (MUIS)
• Burial process: Body laid in grave facing Mecca (qiblah direction)
• No coffin: Body placed directly in earth, wrapped only in kafan
• Grave marker: Simple headstone with name and dates

Family members and friends typically accompany the body to the cemetery for burial. Men participate in lowering the body and covering the grave with earth.

Funeral Costs: What to Expect

What's Included?

Typical Muslim funeral packages in Singapore include:

• Body collection from hospital/home
• Ritual washing (mandikan) by trained staff
• Shrouding (kafan) with white cloth
• Coordination with mosque for Janazah prayer
• Transport to Pusara Abadi cemetery
• Burial plot fees (paid to MUIS)
• Grave digging and burial assistance
• Simple grave marker/headstone
• Documentation and permits

Additional Optional Costs

• Tents/canopies: For post-burial condolences ($200-$500)
• Catering: Simple food for attendees ($5-$10 per person)
• Obituary notices: $100-$300
• Upgraded headstone: $300-$1,000 (beyond basic marker)

What NOT to Do at a Muslim Funeral

To respect Islamic customs, avoid these actions:

• ❌ Loud wailing or excessive crying: While grief is natural, loud lamentations are discouraged
• ❌ Cremation: Strictly forbidden in Islam; must be earth burial
• ❌ Delaying burial: Should occur within 24 hours unless extenuating circumstances
• ❌ Elaborate caskets or displays: Simplicity is the Islamic way
• ❌ Music or entertainment: Funeral is a solemn, respectful occasion
• ❌ Mixing genders at burial: Men and women typically separated during proceedings

Condolences & Post-Funeral Customs

Offering Condolences

When visiting bereaved family members:

• Appropriate words: "Inna lillahi wa inna ilayhi raji'un" (Indeed we belong to Allah, and to Him we return)
• Keep it brief: Express sympathy simply and leave unless specifically asked to stay
• Dress modestly: Cover shoulders and knees; women should bring headscarves
• Offer practical help: "What can I do?" is more valuable than lengthy condolences

Mourning Period

For a widow (iddah): 4 months and 10 days of mourning

• Widow remains at home, avoids adornment and socializing
• Allowed to go out for necessities (work, groceries, medical needs)
• After iddah period ends, she may remarry

For others: 3 days of mourning is common, though personal grief continues as needed.

Tahlil & Memorial Prayers

Some Muslim families in Singapore hold tahlil (recitation of prayers) on specific nights after death (3rd, 7th, 40th, 100th day). This varies by family tradition and is not universally practiced.

Government & Community Support

MUIS (Islamic Religious Council)

MUIS oversees Muslim affairs in Singapore, including:

• Management of Pusara Abadi cemetery
• Certification of funeral service providers
• Islamic guidance on funeral matters
• Zakat (charity) funds for needy families

Financial Assistance

Families facing financial difficulty can seek help from:

• Mosque assistance: Many mosques have funds to help with funeral costs
• MUIS zakat: Eligible families can apply for financial aid
• Community support: Fellow Muslims often contribute to cover expenses
• CPF funeral grant: Up to $6,000 available from deceased's CPF account

Finding a Muslim Funeral Provider

When choosing a Muslim funeral service in Singapore, ensure they:

• Are certified/recommended by MUIS
• Have 24/7 availability (swift burial requirement)
• Employ staff trained in Islamic washing and shrouding
• Coordinate with mosques for Janazah prayers
• Provide transparent pricing with no hidden fees
• Show respect and understanding of Islamic customs
• Have good reviews from Muslim families