8 Apr 2020 – the coronavirus pandemic has led to changes in provision for Muslim funerals, which are becoming more profound as the number of deaths rises.

The information below will be helpful if you’ve suffered a bereavement. We also explained what the East London Mosque is doing to support Muslim burials.

Indeed we belong to Allah, and indeed to Him we will return.

{Qur’an, 2:156}

Contents (click to jump to section):

1. What to do if someone dies?
2. How will the body be prepared for burial if the death was due to COVID-19?
3. What might happen if there is a surge in deaths due to COVID-19?
4. Where can the deceased be buried?
5. Where will the Janazah take place whilst the Mosques are closed?
6. How is the East London Mosque supporting Muslim burial services?

1. What to do if someone dies?

When someone dies, there are legal and Islamic requirements that need to be fulfilled. There will also be some exceptional changes for those whose death was due to COVID-19, detailed below.

The legal steps you need to take are explained here: Haji Taslim Funerals: After a Death.

You may also find the Eternal Gardens step-by-step funeral guide helpful.

2. How will the body be prepared for burial if the death was due to COVID-19?

Those washing the body (Ghusl) of someone who died due to COVID-19 must wear Personal Protection Equipment (PPE). Unfortunately, PPEs are in short supply, funeral services are finding it difficult to source supplies.

3. What might happen if there is a surge in deaths due to COVID-19?

Muslim scholars have explained that if there is a huge surge in COVID-19 related deaths, and funeral services lack the capacity to wash the bodies safely, then it would be allowed to bury the bodies without Ghusl.

4. Where can the deceased be buried?

The two most popular Muslim cemeteries in London, which also handle coronavirus deaths, are:

• Gardens of Peace cemetery – 020 8502 6000
• Eternal Gardens cemetery – 0800 211 8569

Update 27 April 2020: As Gardens of Peace now have increased capacity and short waiting times, they are accepting burials from Tower Hamlets

Residents of Tower Hamlets have discounted burial spaces in Eternal Gardens.

To find out more about burial locations, and for handling non-coronavirus deaths, contact:

• Haji Taslim Funeral Service – 020 7247 2625 or 020 7247 9583

5. Where will the Janazah take place whilst the Mosques are closed?

The Janazah prayer takes place at the burial site; only 5 relatives may take part in the Janazah in order to minimise risks of spreading COVID-19.

6. How is the East London Mosque supporting Muslim burial services?

• We are supporting Eternal Gardens for Tower Hamlets COVID-19 cases, and where possible assisting Haji Taslim Funerals with non COVID–19 cases.
• We have raised emergency funds through our website, with hundreds of donations from the Muslim community, to help provide additional resources, such as a temporary mortuary and washing facility, and PPE for volunteers.
• We have identified a site in Tower Hamlets to house the temporary mortuary and washing facilities; this site can initially accommodate over 30 deceased, and if need arises can be expanded to accommodate up to 70.
• We will be hiring additional transportation, and diggers and operators for the burial sites.
• We have recruited male and female volunteers who will receive full training to perform Ghusl, Tayammum, shrouding, handling and transportation of the deceased.
• We are coordinating use of this temporary mortuary facility to ensure that the deceased in our community are given a dignified and Shariah compliant burial.