Frequently Asked Questions
What is the Islamic funeral called?
The Islamic funeral system is called Janazah. (Ja naa za) . The Janazah consist of the ritual wash and shroud , prayer and burial of a deceased Muslim man or woman
What do I do when a death occurs?
The Funeral Director of Tristate will help coordinate funeral arrangements.
Bring the following information to complete the State vital statistic requirements:
Birth Date
Birthplace
Spouse’s name, if woman her first and maiden name
Father’s Name
Mother’s Maiden Name
Social Security Number
Veteran’s Discharge or Claim Number
Education
Marital Status
Contact your clergy. Decide on time and place of funeral. This can be done at the funeral home.
The funeral home will assist you in determining the number of copies of the death certificates you will be needing and will order them for you.
Make a list of immediate family, close friends and employer or business colleagues. Notify each by phone.
Gather obituary information you want to include such as age, place of birth, cause of death, occupation, college degrees, memberships held, military service , outstanding work, list of survivors in immediate family. Include time and place of services. The funeral home will normally write article and submit to newspapers (newspaper will accept picture and they will be returned intact).
If Social Security or public assistance checks are automatic deposit, notify the bank of the death
Does a dead body have to be embalmed, according to law?
The Federal Trade Commission says, “Except in certain special cases, embalming is not required by law. Embalming may be necessary, however, if you select certain funeral arrangements, such as a funeral with viewing.
Frequently used Islamic words and terms:
ALLAH- Muslims believe in the Oneness of God, No Partners,No Sons, No daughters
JANAZAH- Islamic Funeral system; including wash and shroud,prayer, burial
GHUSL- Ritual bath also known as the washing. Muslim men wash and shroud the men and the Muslim women wash and shroud the women.
KAFAN- the fabric that is used in the shroud. Differs at times, between 3-5 pieces white sheeting fabric.
IMAM- Male religious leader
SALAT- Daily prayer that Muslims make 5 times a day
IMAN- Means Faith
MASJID/ MOSQUE- Means the same, it is the religious place of worship for Muslims
ALHAMDULILLAH- (Alham do lee la)- All praise are for Allah
ALLAHU AKBAR- (Allah who ak bar)- Allah is Great
SHUKRAN- Thank you
AFWAN- Your welcome
AS SALAAMU ALAIKUM- The Peace be Upon You
WA ALAIKUM SALAAM- Returning the Peace upon you
What does a funeral director of Tristate do?
Pick up the deceased and transport the body to the funeral home (anytime day or night)
Notify proper authorities, family and/or relatives
Arrange and prepare death certificates
Provide certified copies of death certificates for insurance and benefit processing
Work with the insurance agent, Social Security or Veterans Administration to ensure that necessary paperwork is filed for receipt of benefits
Prepare and submit obituary to the newspapers of your choice
Arrange for the deceased body to be washed and shrouded
Assist the family with funeral arrangements and purchase of casket and cemetery plot
Schedule the opening and closing of the grave with cemetery personnel
Coordinate with clergy regarding funeral services
Provide Aftercare, or grief assistance, to the bereaved
When I call, will someone come right away?
If you request immediate assistance, yes. If the family wishes to spend a short time with the deceased to say good-bye, that’s perfectly acceptable. A staff member of Tristate will come when your time is right.
Is there a particular time the Janazah prayers are performed?
It is many blessings for the decease to have a large amount of Muslim to pray the Janazah prayer for them, hence the Janazah prayer might take place at the Masjid right after one of the 5 times the Muslims make their congregational prayer.
Under no circumstances is it to offend a family and/or friend that is not of the Islamic faith but the Janazah prayer is made for Muslims by Muslims. When Muslims stand to perform the Janazah prayer you are welcome to pray quietly in your seat for the decease
Is there a particular attire non Muslim should wear to a Janazah?
If the Janazah service is in the Masjid, modest attire is suggested. Modest attire can be long pants and or skirt/dress below the knee. Cleavage and chest area covered.
Non Muslim women do not have to cover their hair to attend a service in the Masjid, but it is greatly appreciated.
What do I need to know about income tax when I lose a spouse?
Uncertainty about income tax issues can add to the stress experienced from the death of a spouse. You should meet with your family attorney and/or tax advisor as soon as possible to review your particular tax and estate circumstances. Bring a detailed list of your questions to the meeting. If you do not have an attorney or tax advisor, call the IRS toll-free at 800-829-1040 for answers to specific tax questions.
Is there financial help if I need it?
There are a number of options available, including:
If a person resides in the state of New Jersey and is on Medicaid they might be eligible for Medicaid Burial Benefits. A staff member of Tristate will ask for the deceased’s name, date of birth and social security number. We will call the county office to see if the person is deemed eligible.
Determine if the deceased person qualifies for any entitlements. Check with the Social Security Administration, the Department of Veterans Affairs, and with your State Fund. Many people are entitled to get financial assistance with their funeral costs from these agencies if they qualify.
Review all insurance policies the deceased person has, including life insurance. Some life insurance policies have coverage clauses for funeral related costs.
Find local charities providing financial help for funeral expenses. Search for non profit organizations and for churches in your area..
Our PA Locations:
1501 Germantown Ave., Philadelphia, PA 19122
Masjid Al-Madinah, 201 S 69th St. , Upper Darby, PA 19082
Phone: (302) 419-5500 | Text: (302) 439-0007