Janazah guide · 7 min read
After the burial
Sadaqah jariyah, headstones, wills and probate, tax, funeral costs — the weeks that follow.
On matters of religious practice, your own masjid and scholars are the authority. This guide covers the process around them.
Doing something for the deceased
The Prophet ﷺ said that when a person dies their deeds end except three: an ongoing charity, knowledge that benefits others, and a righteous child who prays for them. Families are never left helpless — the reward of righteous acts can be dedicated to the deceased: an arrangement for water, knowledge shared, regular recitation of the Qur'an gifted to them. Many find this the most consoling part of grief: there is still something to do for them.
Headstones and memorials
Every cemetery has its own memorial rules — permitted sizes, designs, and a written-permission step before any headstone is fixed, usually with an application fee and a list of approved masons. Ask the cemetery office before ordering anything, and get more than one quotation.
On the religious side, jurists advise against Qur'anic inscriptions on headstones, and images of living creatures are not permitted in Muslim sections. Statues and monuments are not allowed. Your imam can guide what inscription is appropriate.
Graves in Muslim sections are often mounded and planted or matted; ornaments, kerbs, candles and similar items are commonly removed under cemetery rules. Check before placing anything.
Wills, probate and the estate
Islamic inheritance (mirath) divides the estate according to fixed shares — consult your imam where anything is unclear, alongside the legal process.
Probate is simply the legal right to deal with someone's estate. Small estates often don't need it; larger ones do, and nothing should be sold or financially committed until it's granted. You can apply to the Probate Registry yourself — a solicitor helps but is not required. If there is no will, take advice early: it affects who may administer the estate and who inherits.
Tell the tax office about the death as soon as possible so the deceased's tax affairs can be settled — sometimes there is tax to pay, sometimes a repayment to claim. An independent financial adviser can help executors; ask whether their advice is shariah-compliant.
Help with funeral costs
If you are on a qualifying low-income benefit and responsible for the funeral, the government's Funeral Expenses Payment can help with cemetery and funeral costs — see gov.uk/funeral-payments. For a child under 18, the Children's Funeral Fund covers burial fees separately, regardless of income.
Advice and support
- Your masjid — most offer funeral advice and practical help throughout.
- The Bereavement Advice Centre — 0800 634 9494, bereavementadvice.org.
- Muslim Bereavement Support Service — mbss.org.uk.
- Citizens Advice — for legal aid, probate and welfare questions.
Adapted, with gratitude, from “What to Do When Someone Dies — A Practical Guide for Muslims” by the Rochdale Council of Mosques (Registered charity no. 1148918), generalised for families anywhere in the UK.