Why Do Muslim Burials Happen Immediately?

Death in Islam is a doorway to Akherat, the eternal afterlife and the graves of Muslim cemeteries and cemeteries where they are buried house the soul till Yawm al-qiyāmah, the Day of Resurrection. Once a Muslim has passed away, Dafn, or the burial process is completed as soon as possible. But why do Muslims bury so quickly after death? What happens if you delay burial in Islam?

 

As Muslims consider their connection to their earthly lives temporary, the faster they are buried after death, the better. Burial starts a Muslim’s journey into the afterlife and begins their judgment, which is a crucial factor. Swift Muslim burials also prevent diseases from spreading and allow their families and friends to move on.

 

Muslims spend their Dunya, or earthly lives, preparing for death and the afterlife. They are buried swiftly for both practical and religious purposes. In this article, we’ll explore why burials are hastened in Islam. We’ll then conclude by highlighting situations where you can delay the burial process.

 

Do Muslims Have To Be Buried Within 72 Hours?

 

According to Islamic laws (Sharia), the dead should ideally be buried within 24 hours, and 72 hours at most. In both Sahih alBukhãri 1315 and Sahih Muslim 944, it’s narrated that the Prophet stated, “Hasten at a funeral, for if (the dead person) is good, you would (soon) bring him close to the good. And if it is otherwise, it is an evil of which you are ridding yourselves.”

 

A Muslim’s life on Earth, or Dunya is temporary. Once they have passed away, their attachment to this life has concluded. In Surah Al-Ar’af (7:25) Allah says, “For you there is dwelling and provision on the earth for a while. You shall live there, and there shall you die, and from it you shall be raised to life.” There are numerous other instances where a Muslim is told their earthly lives are temporary.

Muslims are advised in Islam to not become too attached to their earthly lives. Dunya is considered to be a distraction, and any attachment to it only takes away from Akherat. In Surah Al-A’la (87:16-17), Allah says, “But you ˹deniers only˺ prefer the life of this world, even though the Hereafter is far better and more lasting.” So, upon death, it’s advised to start a Muslim’s journey to the afterlife as soon as possible.

 

Burial is how Muslims start their journey to the afterlife. Hadith 1071 in Jami` at-Tirmidhi states, “When the deceased is buried, two angels, black and blue-eyed, come to him. One of them is called Al-Munkar, and the other An-Nakir.” Their arrival begins the judgement process, which is the first stage of the afterlife. Delaying the burial process only suspends and keeps Muslims away from their eternity.

 

Once a Muslim dies, their souls belong to Allah. They must be returned to the earth they were made from. Surah Taha (20:55) states, “From the earth We created you, and into it We will return you, and from it We will bring you back again.” A Muslim’s grave is their home till the Day of Resurrection arrives, and they must be housed there in time.

 

It’s further stressed in multiple other religious writings that the dead should not have to wait for burials. Islam also makes it clear that both the living and the dead will only stay on earth for a limited time. Surah Al-Mursalat (25:25–27) states, “Have We not made the earth a lodging for the living and the dead, and placed upon it towering, firm mountains, and given you fresh water to drink?” As a Muslim’s entire existence on Earth is considered to be momentary, the sooner they enter the grave, the better.

 

Practicality also has a lot to do with a Muslim’s burial. Burying the dead faster stops the spread of disease, and helps their family members and friends move on from the trauma. A quick and simple burial ensures that the body is intact, and it’s buried while the family members are still in shock. This way, it cannot leave a lasting impact.

 

Can We Delay The Burial In Islam?

 

While it’s not recommended to delay Muslim burials, there are certain circumstances when it can be done. You can delay burial in the following 3 cases:

 

1. A short delay is permitted for making burial arrangements.
2. It’s possible to delay Muslim burials should the deceased’s relatives need time to arrive. However, it’s only permissible if the body does not decompose or the delay causes undue hardship, and multiple relatives need time.
3. For unnatural and suspicious deaths, burials can be delayed to allow autopsies and further investigations.

 

Without similar extenuating circumstances, Muslim burials should take place as soon as possible. However, there are not enough Muslim cemeteries in the Lower Mainland. Fewer can arrange swift burials due to the shortage of burial space, especially in Chilliwack. This is when you call Bakerview.

 

Bakerview Memorial Cemetery. 24-Hour Turnaround, Guaranteed.

 

Bakerview Memorial Cemetery is Metro Vancouver’s newest cemetery, and it now offers a 24-hour turnaround from your call, even on weekends. There are no other cemeteries that offer you varied burial options and affordable pricing on such short notice. With abundant space, a Muslim-specific ‘Crescent’ section, and a team of expert staff, we spare no effort in ensuring that your loved one gets the perfect burial, no matter when you reach out to us. We also have pre-planning options which relieve the stress and burden when a loved one passes. 

 

So, if you’re looking for a cemetery for Muslim burials in Greater Vancouver, specifically in Langley, Chilliwack, and Surrey, call us at (604) 856-0330 today.

 

Conclusion

Swift burials in Islam honour the transient nature of life and the promise of the afterlife. They safeguard public health and uphold the dignity of the deceased. A fast Mulsim burial can also help their loved ones to heal. So, it’s best never to delay burials in Islam unless absolutely necessary.