This website was last updated on 17th September 2023.
Bismillah-ir-Rahman-ir-Rahim
Inna lillahi wa inna ilayhi raji’un (Indeed, to Allah we belong and to Allah we shall return).
Introduction
I start by offering my sincere condolences to those who have recently suffered the loss of a loved one. May your loved one be granted the highest rank in ‘Jannah’ (heaven) and may you be granted ‘Sabr’ (patience and steadfastness) inshAllah. Ameen.
This website is designed to assist bereaved Muslim families in England & Wales, primarily to obtain the necessary documents and make the required arrangements following the death of a loved one. The process can be confusing and overwhelming, particularly at a time when bereaved families are grief-stricken and under enormous pressure.
I have divided the guidance into the following sections:-
I am a Solicitor and an Assistant Coroner but I have not created this website in either of those capacities. Instead, I write as a member of the community who has been involved with a great many funerals over the years.
There will be scenarios that arise that I have not covered. Practices can also vary across the country. I have included location specific guidance where possible.
My experience of the various stakeholders is generally positive. Most people will go out of their way to help. I know of Registrars who have missed their lunch to fit in an urgent registration. I have dealt with Coroner’s officers who have worked until 8pm on a Friday night and logged in over the weekend to try to get a body released.
However, there can be delays and difficulties and there are certainly gaps in services, particularly in relation to out of hours provision. I would invite community leaders, Mosques and local authorities to work together in a constructive way to address those gaps.
The information is believed to be correct at the time of publishing only but no guarantee or warranty is offered in this regard.
Finally, please note that you may find some of the contents distressing; please accept my apologies.
