What do you do when a Muslim dies at home?

In more detail

• In hospice

  A plan for what happens after death will likely already be in place. The death must be officially pronounced by someone in authority, such as a hospice nurse, who also fills out the forms that let the death certificate be prepared.

  National Institute on Aging (NIH), What To Do After Someone Dies (content reviewed 17 November 2022)

• Unexpected

  Call 911. After an unexpected death a coroner or medical examiner may need to examine the body, which can delay burial. Ask whether an autopsy is required, and how to register a religious objection under your state’s law.

  Autopsy, embalming and organ donation

• Close the eyes, and pray

  Close the eyes and the mouth, straighten the arms and legs, and cover the body with a clean sheet. The Prophet ﷺ closed the eyes of Abū Salamah and prayed for him.

  Ṣaḥīḥ Muslim 920 · Public Health England, Faith at end of life: a resource for professionals, providers and commissioners working in communities (January 2016), Islam: After death · Hospice UK, Care after death guidance, edition 5.2 (2025), personal care after death (procedure table)

• Call the masjid first

  The masjid’s funeral committee arranges the washing, the shroud, the prayer and the burial, and usually knows which funeral home to use. Tell them where the body is and who the next of kin is.

• No embalming

  Ask the funeral home for no embalming and no viewing. Embalming is not required by law except in certain special cases.

  FTC Funeral Rule, 16 CFR 453.3(a), eCFR