Muslim Funerals

Many families living in the Bronx recognize McKeon Funeral Home as a leading provider of Muslim funeral services. Perhaps it's because they have needed our services in the past, other times it's because someone in their circle of friends and neighbors has recommended us based on the Muslim funerals they've either made arrangements for or attended.

We are keenly aware of the specific guidelines for ghusl, the washing and shrouding ceremony; and also very respectful of Islamic burial practices. Essentially, we do everything we can to facilitate these essential aspects of the final care provided for Muslim men, women and children. If a member of your family has died, and you have an immediate need for funeral services grounded in Islamic tradition, we ask that you call us at (718) 655-6464.

“Every soul shall taste death in the end; to Us shall you be brought back.” (Surat al-’Ankabut: 57)

Muslim Funerals and the Afterlife

What do those who follow Islam believe about death? And how do those beliefs shape a Muslim funeral? It is argued that there are two primary sects within Islam: Shi'a and Sunni; however there is also the Sufism sect, and let's not forget, the Ahmadiyya sect; and to some degree, each sect holds different views on certain religious issues. However, there are fundamental commonalities too, especially around the basic issues of life and death.

Islam Guide published an online article written by the World Assembly of Muslim Youth titled "How Do Muslims View Death?" where the authors clearly state they "believe that the present life is a trial in preparation for the next realm of existence." And the authors of "Islamic Beliefs about the Afterlife", claim "Islam teaches the continued existence of the soul and a transformed physical existence after death." Both beliefs work together to define the tasks and duties involved in the final care of a beloved Muslim family member. These tasks and duties include:

• The washing of the body with scented water; followed by the wrapping of the deceased in a clean, white shroud.
• Transporting the deceased to an outdoor location; where the imam will lead the group in prayer.
• Escorting the deceased to the cemetery for a private burial.

Because families following Islamic tradition must bury the deceased as soon as possible after death, everything which occurs after the death of a Muslim individual must occur in a very timely way. That's where the McKeon Funeral Home staff can truly help in the immediate care of a deceased family member. In short, we can provide your family with:

•  A dedicated space in our funeral home in which to wash and shroud the body
• The use of our vehicle(s) to escort the family and the deceased to the place of open prayer
• Transportation of the deceased to the place of burial

Families living in the Bronx who are members of the Bronx Muslim Center, the Bronx Islamic Culture Center, or the Bronx Islamic Society know firsthand the true value of community in both the best of times, and the most difficult. And as McKeon Funeral Home has served families of all religious traditions for over one hundred years, we too can be relied upon to provide grieving Muslim families with thoroughly professional funeral services which adhere to proscribed Islamic traditions. If your family needs to make arrangements for a Muslim funeral for a beloved family member, or simply would like to learn more about how well McKeon Funeral Home staff members understand Muslim funerals in general, call us at (718) 655-6464.

Sources:

Quotation from the Quran
http://quran.com/29