Janazah guide · 2 min read
The one-page checklist
Everything that needs doing, in order, on one page — print it or keep it open.
On matters of religious practice, your own masjid and scholars are the authority. This guide covers the process around them.
In the first hours
- Death verified by a doctor or qualified professional (GP, 111 out of hours, or ward staff in hospital).
- Family, masjid and imam informed.
- Cemetery contacted early — even before the paperwork is complete.
Paperwork
- Medical Certificate of Cause of Death collected (or coroner's process underway — tell them burial is urgent for faith reasons).
- Death registered at the district register office (within 5 days).
- Green form (Certificate for Burial) in hand — the burial cannot happen without it.
- Several certified copies of the death certificate ordered.
- Tell Us Once reference used to notify government departments.
The funeral
- Ghusl and kafan arranged through the masjid or cemetery.
- Janazah prayer time agreed with the imam and told to the cemetery.
- Burial completed — green form handed over at the cemetery.
Afterwards
- Banks, insurers, pensions and the tax office notified.
- Will, probate and the estate started — advice sought where needed.
- Headstone application made through the cemetery (when the family is ready).
- Welfare, benefits and bereavement support looked into.
- Sadaqah jariyah and regular du'a — the part that never finishes.
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.