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If you have no Muslim family

If your family is not Muslim, they may not know what you would want, and by law they may be the ones who decide. A little preparation makes sure you are washed, prayed over and buried as a Muslim.

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  1. Tell your masjid, and keep their number with you

    Let your imam or the funeral committee know your situation. Many committees will step in for a Muslim with no Muslim relatives, and some burial funds exist for exactly this.

  2. Write your wishes down, and sign them

    Families usually follow clear written wishes. Write your janazah wishes and give a copy to your family and to your masjid.

    Ṣaḥīḥ al-Bukhārī 2738

  3. Name someone to carry them out

    In many states the closest relative has the legal right to decide about burial unless you have named someone else in a signed document. An estate attorney can tell you how to name a Muslim friend or your masjid to carry out your funeral wishes where you live.

  4. Talk to your family while you can

    Explain what a Muslim burial involves: a quick burial, a simple washing and shroud, no cremation. Most families honour wishes they have heard in person.