Can a Muslim be buried without a casket or a vault?

In more detail

• Vaults and grave liners

  The FTC says outer burial containers are not required by state law anywhere in the US, but many cemeteries require them. Ask the cemetery for its rules and its prices in writing.

  Federal Trade Commission (consumer.ftc.gov), The FTC Funeral Rule

• What Muslim cemeteries say

  Rules differ from one Muslim cemetery to the next. The Las Vegas Islamic Cemetery allows no burial containers: the body is placed directly in the ground, with a fibreglass vault set upside down over it. The Islamic Society of Central New York’s burial service uses no embalming, casket or liner. The Utah Islamic Center’s burial fee includes a cement vault.

  Find a Muslim cemetery near you

  Las Vegas Islamic Cemetery (Islamic Foundation of Nevada), Burial info · Islamic Society of Central New York, Burial Services · Utah Islamic Center, Burial Services

• A casket from elsewhere

  If a casket or box is needed, you may buy it somewhere else. The funeral home cannot refuse it, or charge you a fee to handle it.

  Federal Trade Commission (consumer.ftc.gov), The FTC Funeral Rule · Federal Trade Commission, Complying with the Funeral Rule (business guidance)

• If you are told something is required

  If a law or the cemetery requires an item, the funeral home must explain why in writing.

  FTC Funeral Rule, 16 CFR 453.4(b), eCFR

• Write it down

  Your wishes can say it plainly: a Muslim washing and shroud, the janazah prayer, burial and no cremation, no embalming unless the law requires it, and burial as soon as possible.

  Write your janazah wishes