Yes, although burial availability depends on the cemetery. Contact your mosque and Simplicity as soon as possible so we can check availability and coordinate the arrangements.
Muslim funeral services
Honour your loved one’s Islamic faith with a traditional Janazah (burial). We work alongside mosques throughout Australia, including in regional areas, providing prompt assistance with funeral services. We’re here to help, 24/7.
When every hour matters
In Islam, burial traditionally takes place as soon as possible after death, ideally within 24 hours. We understand how important this is to Muslim families. If you’ve lost a loved one, contact your mosque and Simplicity as soon as you can. We’ll work closely with your mosque and cemetery to arrange burial as promptly as possible.
Sometimes, burial may be delayed by a coroner’s investigation or cemetery availability on weekends or public holidays. If the coroner is involved, we may be able to help you raise a religious objection to an autopsy. Please call us so we can talk through your options.
Prepaid funerals for peace of mind
When burial needs to happen quickly, planning ahead can make a real difference. If you're thinking about the future, talk to your loved ones about their funeral wishes and consider making arrangements in advance with a prepaid funeral.
Islamic funeral traditions
In Islam, death marks the transition from this life to the Akhirah, or ‘the Hereafter’. Muslim funeral traditions reflect this belief, emphasising dignity, prayer and equality before Allah. Funerals are traditionally simple and modest, without elaborate displays of wealth or status. They are also seen as a collective responsibility (fard kifayah) shared by family, friends and the local Muslim community.
Ghusl
Ghusl is the ritual washing of the body before burial, symbolising spiritual cleansing and the washing away of sins. This sacred ritual is traditionally carried out by Muslims of the same gender, and the body is generally washed an odd number of times – often three – but this varies between communities.
Kafan
Following ghusl, the body is wrapped in a simple white cotton shroud called a kafan. This practice emphasises humility, equality and a return to Allah.
Salat al-Janazah
Salat al-Janazah is the Islamic funeral prayer, where the congregation gathers to ask Allah for mercy and forgiveness for your loved one. During this prayer, mourners will form at least three rows and face towards Mecca. Unlike other Islamic prayers, Salat al-Janazah is performed standing, without bowing or prostration.
Burial
Burial is an important part of the Islamic faith. Cremation is strictly forbidden. Your loved one is laid to rest on their right side, facing the Qibla (the direction of the Kaaba in Mecca), often in a designated Muslim section of the cemetery.
What happens at a Muslim funeral?
Muslim funerals are solemn gatherings at a mosque or open prayer space, usually within 24 hours of death. Customs vary slightly between Islamic communities, but here’s what you can generally expect at a Muslim funeral service.
1. Gathering for Salat al-Janazah
An Imam leads the Muslim funeral prayer, Salat al-Janazah, asking Allah to grant your loved one mercy and forgiveness. Salat al-Janazah is performed standing, with four declarations of ‘Allahu Akbar’ (God is greatest), interspersed with prayers and supplications.
2. Burial and graveside prayers
Following Salat al-Janazah, further prayers are offered to Allah throughout the burial. At the cemetery, your loved one is carefully lowered into the grave, traditionally on their right side facing Mecca. Family members may help with the burial, including placing soil into the grave.
3. Supporting the family
After the burial, mourners may gather at the family home, mosque or another venue to offer condolences and support. This is a time for family and community members to come together, share memories and offer comfort. Some Muslim communities observe a period of mourning over the following three days, during which visitors may continue to offer their condolences.
Muslim communities in Australia
According to the 2021 Census, more than 813,000 people in Australia identify with Islam, representing 3.2% of the population.
Australia’s Muslim communities come from a wide range of cultural backgrounds, including Lebanese, Turkish, Pakistani, Indian, Indonesian and Somali communities. While Islamic funerals share many common principles, some customs differ between branches of Islam.
How we work with mosques and Imams
We work alongside your mosque and Imam to arrange a funeral that respects your loved one’s Islamic faith. Here’s how we share the responsibilities.
Part of the funeral | Simplicity’s role | Your mosque or Imam’s role |
Planning the funeral | Coordinate timings, paperwork and practical arrangements, with prompt burial in mind. | Advise on Islamic funeral requirements and help guide the family through the process. |
Caring for your loved one | Arrange appropriate facilities and coordinate the transfer and care of your loved one. | Guide or arrange ghusl (ritual washing) and kafan (shrouding), usually carried out by designated community members. |
Transport | Arrange transport of your loved one to the mosque and cemetery. | Helps the family and community prepare for the journey to the cemetery. |
Funeral prayers | Coordinate timings and logistics around Salat al-Janazah. | Lead Salat al-Janazah, often at a mosque or cemetery. |
Burial | Liaise with the cemetery, coordinate burial arrangements and manage relevant paperwork. | Guide Islamic burial customs, including positioning towards the Qibla and graveside prayers. |
Muslim funeral costs
The cost depends on the funeral services required, your location and the cemetery. Muslim funerals are traditionally simple, but there may still be costs for transport, mortuary care, a coffin where required, and burial. Your mosque may also charge for certain services, such as washing and shrouding. We can explain which costs are included in our services and which are payable separately.
Get help arranging a Muslim funeral
We understand there's a lot to organise when someone you love passes away, especially when burial needs to take place quickly. Our funeral directors can help you understand what needs to happen next, take care of the practical arrangements and coordinate with your mosque and cemetery. With 70 locations across Australia, we're here to help whenever you need us.
Embalming is generally avoided in Islam, as the body is traditionally washed, shrouded and buried as soon as possible. However, embalming may sometimes be required for legal or practical reasons, such as international repatriation. Your mosque or Imam can advise on the religious considerations.
Yes, in some circumstances. Islamic tradition favours burial in a simple shroud (kafan), but coffin requirements vary between Australian states, territories and cemeteries. Some cemeteries permit shroud-only burials under specific conditions, while others require a coffin. We can help you check the requirements of your chosen cemetery.
Yes. Family members may take part in ghusl, the ritual washing of the body, provided they follow Islamic requirements around who can perform the washing. It is traditionally carried out by Muslims of the same gender, although exceptions apply, including for spouses and young children. Your mosque or Imam can guide you through the process and help arrange experienced community members to assist.
If a death is referred to the coroner, burial cannot take place until the coroner releases the body. This may delay arrangements beyond the timeframe traditionally preferred in Islam. Muslim families can raise religious concerns about a post-mortem examination, although the final decision rests with the coroner. Please let us know as soon as possible so we can explain the next steps and help communicate your family's wishes.
Yes. You can pre-plan a funeral with Simplicity. Having a clear plan can help with prompt burial when the time comes.
Choose modest, respectful clothing that covers your shoulders and knees. Dark or subdued colours are generally appropriate. Family members may wear white. If the funeral service is in a mosque, women may be asked to cover their hair with a scarf as a sign of respect. Customs can vary, so it's best to check with the family or mosque beforehand.
We're available 24/7
Arrange a Muslim funeral with Simplicity
Our team can help you organise the practical details, working alongside your mosque to respect your loved one's Islamic traditions. Call us any time, day or night – we’re available 24/7.