Become a Muslim funeral director

1Why this work matters

Washing, shrouding, praying over and burying a Muslim is a communal obligation (farḍ kifāyah): if some in the community do it, the rest are excused, and if no one does, all are at fault.al-Nawawī, al-Majmūʿ 5:128

In many communities, volunteers help with the washing and shrouding, and the masjid leads the prayer. What volunteers may do depends on the state and the funeral home. But in Massachusetts, as in most states, a funeral home needs a licensed funeral director in charge. Without one, families pay an outside funeral home for the legal side: the permits, the transport and the paperwork.M.G.L. c.112 §87 · US Bureau of Labor Statistics

It matters for families who can’t pay, too. In Massachusetts, for example, the state’s help with funeral costs is paid only to a licensed funeral establishment.Mass. DTA, funeral payment FAQ

We wrote this page because a Massachusetts masjid told us its licensed funeral home is ready, except for a funeral director. If that could be you, see the jobs page.

2The jobs in a funeral home

You don’t have to start as a funeral director. These are the usual roles, from the first step up.

1. First step

   Funeral assistant

   Drives the vehicles, sets up services, meets families, and helps with washing, dressing and lifting where the law and the home allow.

   NeedsOften only a driver’s license and a high school diploma. No funeral license.

2. In training

   Apprentice

   Trains under a licensed funeral director, doing the work under supervision while studying or after graduating.

   NeedsAn apprentice registration with the state board.

3. Licensed

   Funeral director

   Arranges funerals with families, handles the death certificate, permits and transport, and is legally in charge of the home.

   NeedsThe full state license.

4. Alongside

   Embalmer

   Prepares bodies for viewing or transport. Muslim families usually ask for no embalming, but a director still needs to know the law on it.

   NeedsA separate license in some states, such as California and Texas. In others it comes with the funeral director’s.

5. Running the home

   Owner or manager

   Runs the business. Some states require a licensed funeral director to be in charge of it.

   NeedsRules differ by state.

Embalming licenses: California Cemetery and Funeral Bureau · Texas Funeral Service Commission. A licensed director in charge: M.G.L. c.112 §87

3The route in most states

1. Mortuary science school

   An associate degree in funeral service or mortuary science is the usual requirement, from a program accredited by the American Board of Funeral Service Education (ABFSE).US Bureau of Labor Statistics · ABFSE accredited programs

   Find an accredited program

2. An apprenticeship

   Most states require a period of supervised work under a licensed funeral director, before or after school. The length depends on the state.US Bureau of Labor Statistics

3. The exams

   Many states use the National Board Exam, set by The Conference. It has two sections, Arts and Sciences. Graduates of an accredited program are among those who can sit it, and passing scores do not expire. Most states also have their own licensing exam.The Conference, National Board Exam · US Bureau of Labor Statistics

4. Your license

   Your state’s funeral board issues it. Requirements and fees differ, so read your state board’s pages, or call them, before you start.

Some states license funeral directors who do not embalm. We have confirmed 9 so far. See what your state asks.

4Massachusetts, step by step

Massachusetts is our first worked example, because a community there is looking for a director now. This is an outline. The Board’s own checklist is the full list.Mass. Board of Registration

1. Register as an apprentice embalmer. The application fee is $31.Mass.gov, apprentice fees
2. Serve two years as an apprentice, working at least 30 hours a week (up to half of it on call) for one business that runs one or more licensed Massachusetts funeral homes.239 CMR 3.02(1)(c), (2)(d)
3. During it, embalm at least 50 bodies and attend at least 25 arrangement conferences with families.239 CMR 3.02(2)(e)–(h)
4. Earn an associate degree in mortuary science from an ABFSE-accredited program. See the accredited programs in Massachusetts.239 CMR 3.02(2)(e)–(h) · ABFSE accredited programs
5. Pass the Board’s two written exams, the Written Practical and the Jurisprudence exam, which includes questions on death certificates. They are taken through PSI, which charges its own exam fees. If you are licensed in another state, ask the Board what it needs from you.PSI candidate bulletin, March 2026
6. Apply for the Type 6 license (funeral director and embalmer). The application fee is $339. The Type 3 funeral director license has its own $155 application.Mass.gov, Type 3 and 6 fees

5What it pays

Pay varies a great deal by state and by city, and an owner earns differently from an employee.US Bureau of Labor Statistics, pay

6What a Muslim funeral director brings

• Knowing the ghusl, the kafan and the janazah prayer, and why the family wants them. Our guide to ghusl and kafan.
• Helping a family bury quickly, often within a day, and without embalming unless the law requires it.
• Working with the masjid’s funeral committee and its volunteers. Coordinate ritual care and volunteer participation with the licensed funeral director and your state’s requirements.
• Speaking to a grieving family in a way they recognize, sometimes in their own language.

7Open jobs

No openings are listed right now. We add them as employers confirm them.

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