Muslim Death Rites
4/12/07
Key Question:
What do Muslim funerals reveal about the Islamic beliefs regarding life after death?
Learning objectives:
• To understand what takes place during a Muslim funeral service.
• To identify the key Muslim beliefs expressed during a funeral service.
• To think about symbolism
Bodies are never cremated
in order to highlight the belief that wealth and material possessions are unimportant.
Funerals are simple; large tombstones and decorations are discouraged as some Muslims believe that the dead can still experience physical sensations.
Bodies are very gently washed
as some Muslims believe in a complete physical resurrection of the body.
Mourning should last no more than 3 days
as it is a summary of the core beliefs of Muslims, and helps them prepare themselves.
The Shahadah is recited near death signifying the belief in the equality of all humans.
The body is wrapped in sheets of as death is not considered to be white unsewn cloth the end and so, Muslims place their faith in God and trust in him to take care of the dead.
Which one of the Islamic beliefs that can be taken from a funeral service do you think is the most important?
Explain your answer.
•The belief that wealth and material possessions are unimportant. •The belief that the dead can still experience physical sensations. •The belief in a physical resurrection of the body.
•The belief in the equality of all humans.
•The belief that death is not the end.
"Those that fear God and do good are promised a Garden through which rivers flow. The fruits of this garden are everlasting, and so is the shade.
This is for those who believe, for those that don’t there is the fire.
Task
Imagine that heaven and hell exist, what would they be like? Draw 3 symbols each of what heaven and hell would be like for you.
Annotate the symbols explaining what they mean to you.
Key Question:
What do Muslim funerals reveal about the Islamic beliefs regarding life after death?
Learning objectives:
• To understand what takes place during a Muslim funeral service.
• To identify the key Muslim beliefs expressed during a funeral service.
• To think about symbolism
Bodies are never cremated
in order to highlight the belief that wealth and material possessions are unimportant.
Funerals are simple; large tombstones and decorations are discouraged as some Muslims believe that the dead can still experience physical sensations.
Bodies are very gently washed
as some Muslims believe in a complete physical resurrection of the body.
Mourning should last no more than 3 days
as it is a summary of the core beliefs of Muslims, and helps them prepare themselves.
The Shahadah is recited near death signifying the belief in the equality of all humans.
The body is wrapped in sheets of as death is not considered to be white unsewn cloth the end and so, Muslims place their faith in God and trust in him to take care of the dead.
Which one of the Islamic beliefs that can be taken from a funeral service do you think is the most important?
Explain your answer.
•The belief that wealth and material possessions are unimportant. •The belief that the dead can still experience physical sensations. •The belief in a physical resurrection of the body.
•The belief in the equality of all humans.
•The belief that death is not the end.
"Those that fear God and do good are promised a Garden through which rivers flow. The fruits of this garden are everlasting, and so is the shade.
This is for those who believe, for those that don’t there is the fire.
Task
Imagine that heaven and hell exist, what would they be like? Draw 3 symbols each of what heaven and hell would be like for you.
Annotate the symbols explaining what they mean to you.