A fundamental part of the Muslim belief system is that life on this earth is only a transitional period. It precedes the latter life or the Hereafter. Success in the Afterlife is the goal of every Muslim which is achieved through gaining Allah (SWT) favors by believing in Him and following His commands and prescriptions.
The reward for those who gain Allah's satisfaction and forgiveness is Jannah (Paradise), and those who stray is Jahannam or Hellfire. We are advised by Prophet Muhammad (pbuh) to work for this life as if we would live forever, and work for the Hereafter as if we would die tomorrow. This saying highlights the balance in a Muslim's life as we work towards achieving our goals in this limited earthly existence.
When death approaches, the close family and friends should support and comfort the dying person through supplication as well as remembrance of Allah (SWT) or Zikr. Gather around your loved ones and help to iterate his commitment to unity of God Almighty.
Upon death, the eye lids are to be closed, the body should be covered, and preparation for burial should take place as soon as possible. The whole body is ceremonially washed (Ghusl) and shrouded.
In the Queens area, the bathing of the dead is traditionally done at the Muslim Funeral Parlor. Relatives of the deceased would perform the right of Ghusl to their loved ones normally at the direction of a Parlor attendant or a learned community elder.
Muslims gather and a prayer is performed for the dead (Janazah). The body is to buried soon after the prayer. The wrapped body is to be laid directly at the bottom of the dug grave. The body is to be laid on its right side facing the direction of the Kabah (Qibla). A ceiling is attached to the grave and then covered with dirt. The grave should be filled until it rises above the surrounding grounds in a mound. A stone may be used to mark its location.
The family of the dead has a responsibility to fulfill any debts he had as soon as possible. They have the commitment to maintain contact and courteous relationships with close relatives and close friends. They should also pray and make frequent supplications for him. Charity, fasting, prayers, and pilgrimage is often performed on behalf of the deceased.
Visiting the graves is recommended for the living to remember death and the day of judgment.
Current as of year 2012:
Muslim Funeral Parlor #1
Islamic Funeral Home
114 St & Rockaway Blvd.
Contact: Br. Shazad
Phone (Cell): 347-870-9127
Br. Shazad will take care of ALL the necessary arrangement for your loved ones.
His services include picking up the Miyat from the hospital or home, arrange for people to bathe (ghusl) the deceased, both Male or Female. He also has for sale, Burial Plots at all of the Muslim burial grounds around New York city, and will co-ordinate with the grounds staff of the various locations regarding opening and closing of graves and on burial time. The Funeral parlor also has enough room for a wake and to pray the Janazah (small crowd), and if requested, Br. Shazad can also lead the Janazah prayer. The required Cotton shroud (kaffan) is also provided.
The Miyat will be transported with a Hearse to the place of burial or to interim place of Janazah before being respectfully transported to the place of interment.
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Muslim Funeral Parlor #2
Pak Funeral Home
58-34 Catapia Ave.
Ridgewood, Queens
Contact: Hafiz Lookman
Phone #: 718-418-7225
Pak Funeral Home is about 10 mins. from Masjid Al Abidin and will provide all the services that the Islamic Funeral Home on Rockaway Blvd. provides.
Additionally, this location has a dedicated prayer area for your convenience.
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If you need any additional help, wake venue, financial assistance, or burial plot, please contact Br. Reyez, the Muazin (at Masjid Al Abidin) at :
Office: 718-848-8759
Residence: 718-848-8866
Mobile: 917-340-9894
He may be contacted at anytime day or night. May Allah (SWT) reward him and all those who provide services for the Muslim Ummah inshaAllah. Ameen.
What to do BEFORE you call the Funeral Parlor:
Although both of the Funeral Directors are very helpful and will make it easy for the families, it is strongly advised that before you contact the funeral parlor you should have the following information at hand:
a) The name of the deceased.
b) The name (hospital/nursing home etc.) and address of where the Miyat is.
c) The name of the attending Physician (doctor).
d) When would you like to have the Janazah (burial).
e) Whether or not you own a burial plot and the exact location.
As new information becomes available inshaAllah, we will update our blog.
