Do Muslims embalm or cremate?

In more detail

• Burial, and soon

  Public Health England’s guide for professionals puts it plainly: Muslims are always buried, and a quick burial is encouraged. The Prophet ﷺ told us to hurry with the funeral.

  Public Health England, Faith at end of life (2016), Islam: Post-mortems and Burial · Ṣaḥīḥ al-Bukhārī 1315

• Embalming and the law

  Funeral homes may require embalming for a public viewing, which a Muslim funeral does not have. Tell the funeral home clearly: no embalming, no viewing.

  Federal Trade Commission, The FTC Funeral Rule

• When the body travels

  Bodies usually have to be embalmed to be flown to another country, and consulate pages ask for it. If embalming troubles you, ask both funeral directors whether a sealed container is accepted instead.

  GOV.UK (FCDO), What to do when someone dies abroad (updated 28 May 2026) · Consulate General of India, Birmingham: No Objection Certificate for Transportation of Mortal Remains

• Caskets and vaults

  No state law requires an outer burial container, but many cemeteries do. Muslim cemeteries differ: the Las Vegas Islamic Cemetery allows no burial container and places the body directly in the ground, the Islamic Society of Central New York uses no casket or liner, and the Utah Islamic Center’s burial fee includes a cement vault. You may buy a casket elsewhere; the funeral home cannot charge you a fee to handle it.

  Federal Trade Commission, The FTC Funeral Rule · Las Vegas Islamic Cemetery (Islamic Foundation of Nevada), Burial info · Islamic Society of Central New York, Burial Services · Utah Islamic Center, Burial Services

• 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