Frequently Asked Questions About Islamic Burial

Procedure and deadlines, costs, coffin or Kaffan, repatriation to the home country: here you will find answers to the questions families ask us most often. If your question is not among them, call us — we are available around the clock.

What is an Islamic burial in Germany?

An Islamic burial in Germany follows the religious rites: ritual washing (Ghusl), shroud (Kaffan), funeral prayer (Salat al-Dschanaza) and subsequent burial in the grave – facing Mecca.

Is an Islamic burial permitted in Germany?

Yes, Islamic burials are permitted in Germany. The specific implementation depends on the requirements of the respective federal state and the cemetery regulations.

Is an Islamic burial without a coffin (Kaffan) possible?

In parts of Germany, an Islamic burial without a coffin is possible if the federal state and the cemetery regulations allow this. The burial then takes place in the shroud (Kaffan).

How quickly must an Islamic burial take place?

In Islam, a timely burial is planned. In Germany, however, there are legal deadlines and organizational procedures that determine the time of burial.

What is the procedure for the ritual washing (Ghusl)?

The ritual washing (Ghusl) is carried out according to Islamic rules, usually by people of the same gender. The aim is ritual purity before the funeral prayer and burial.

What is the Kaffan in an Islamic burial?

The Kaffan is the Islamic shroud, usually white and simple. After washing, the deceased is wrapped in it and then buried – depending on local rules, with or without a coffin.

What is the funeral prayer (Salat al-Dschanaza)?

The funeral prayer (Salat al-Dschanaza) is a communal prayer of supplication for the deceased. It is performed before the burial and is a central component of the Islamic burial.

Are there Muslim burial grounds in Germany?

Many cemeteries in Germany offer Muslim burial grounds. Burials according to Islamic rites are often easier to implement there, for example through appropriate orientation and regulations.

What does an Islamic burial cost in Germany?

The costs of an Islamic burial depend on services such as transfer, care, cemetery fees and type of grave. In terms of price, it is often within the range of a classic burial, but can vary depending on the location.

Are cremations permitted in Islam?

No. Cremation is considered forbidden (haram) in Islam. According to Islamic law, only burial is permitted. The deceased is washed, wrapped in a shroud (Kaffan) and buried in the grave.

Is a transfer to the home country possible after a death?

Yes, a transfer to the home country is generally possible. However, it requires official permits, special documents and professional organization.

What is the procedure for an Islamic repatriation?

After the death, the necessary documents are obtained, the deceased is cared for and then transferred by plane or vehicle to the home country, where the burial takes place.

What is the cost of repatriation abroad?

The costs of repatriation depend on the destination country, mode of transport, and organizational effort involved. They are usually significantly higher than the costs of a burial in Germany.

What is a social burial in Germany?

A social burial exists if the social welfare office covers the necessary funeral costs because the relatives lack the financial capacity to do so.

Who is entitled to a social burial?

Entitlement exists if legally obligated relatives can demonstrably not bear the costs of the funeral.

Does the social welfare office cover an Islamic burial?

Yes, the social welfare office can also cover the costs of an Islamic burial, provided that it is within the scope of the necessary and appropriate services.

Is a dignified Islamic burial possible despite social burial?

Yes. Even within the framework of a social burial, a ritual washing, the funeral prayer and an Islam-compliant burial are generally possible.

Which costs does the social welfare office cover for a burial?

The social welfare office covers the necessary costs for a simple, dignified burial. Special requests or additional services are generally not covered.