Funeral

What do you do now?

We are committed to easing the burden during this difficult time and ensuring that the rites are conducted with respect and in accordance with Islamic traditions. Please do not hesitate to reach out to ICLP for any assistance.

Janazah in Islam refers to the funeral rites and practices carried out for a deceased Muslim. It is a highly significant ritual and is considered an obligation upon the Muslim community.

Who, where, how

Here are some points of contact, locations, and steps to take

Ghusl and Transportation

Hakim’s Islamic Funeral Home
1808 Woodlawn Dr
Gwynn Oak, MD 21207
POC: Amir Hakeem
(443) 802-3843
www.hakimsislamicfuneralhome.com
Provides transportation and ghusl services.
Costs: $1,700-$2,000+ (ghusl and transport)

Brinsfield Funeral Home
22955 Hollywood Road
Leonardtown, MD 20650
POC: Ned Brinsfield
301-475-5588
301-463-7934
https://www.brinsfieldfuneral.com/
Wash and cardboard box
Costs: $2,500-$3,500

Janazah

Makkah Learning Center
814 Brandy Farms Ln
Gambrills, MD 21054
(410) 721-5880
https://www.isamd.org/
Does offer full service.
Costs: $3,900 plot and $1,550 for preparation of death certificate, Ghusl (Washing), Kafan (Shrouding) and transportation of the body to the cemetery (Paid to the Funeral Home)

Diyanet Center of America
(Turkish masjid in Lanham)
9610 Good Luck Rd
Lanham, MD 20706
POC: Brother Ahmad
https://diyanetamerica.org/
(240) 435-8557
Works with Hakim Islamic Funeral Home.

Cemeteries

All Muslim Association of America (AMAA)
1112 Brooke Rd
Fredericksburg, VA 22405
(Roughly 67 miles, 1 hr 23 min, from ICLP) Costs may change: Plot $1,700 – possible additional fees.
www.amaacemetery.org
(703) 822-3372

Al-Firdaus Memorial Gardens
3845 New Design Rd
Frederick, MD 21703
(100+ miles, 2hrs, can be much longer in rush hour)
Costs may change: Plot $750 and Services $2,700
https://www.islamicwaqfofmd.org/contact-us
202-486-3257
[email protected]
(240) 994-4616
[email protected]

Heritage Memorial Cemetery
13472 Popular Hill Rd
Waldorf, MD 20601
https://heritagememorialcemetery.com/ 301-932-5888
This is a mixed use cemetery with Muslim section and non Muslim section.
Costs may change: Plot is around $3500

Our Services are limited locally

We do currently lack the facilities for certain services, but the information below should provide a good overview of the parts of the process.

Ghusl (Washing the Body):

The deceased’s body is washed in a specific manner, following Islamic guidelines. This ritual purification is performed by close family members or trusted individuals of the same gender as the deceased.

The body is washed an odd number of times (usually three or more if necessary) and perfumed if possible.

Kafan (Shrouding the Body)

After washing, the body is wrapped in a simple white shroud (kafan). The number of cloth pieces varies based on gender (e.g., three for men and five for women), emphasizing simplicity and equality in death.

Salat al-Janazah (Funeral Prayer)

A congregational prayer is offered for the deceased. It is performed standing, without the traditional bowing or prostration.

The prayer includes specific supplications seeking forgiveness and mercy for the deceased and all Muslims.

Burial

The body is buried in the ground as soon as possible, usually without a coffin, unless required by local laws.

The grave is oriented so that the deceased’s face is turned towards the Qibla (direction of the Kaaba in Mecca).

It is preferred that the burial is simple, avoiding extravagance.

Supplications and Remembrance

After burial, attendees may recite supplications for the deceased.
The community supports the grieving family with prayers and emotional support.

Spiritual Significance

Janazah serves as a reminder of mortality and accountability in the Hereafter.
Muslims view death as a transition to the next life, where individuals will meet Allah and be judged for their deeds.

Participating in and performing Janazah is considered a communal duty (Fard Kifayah). If some members of the community fulfill it, others are absolved, but if no one performs it, the whole community is considered sinful.