Beliefs about death and dying, and life after death Muslims believe in life after death when, on the Last Day, the dead will come back to life to be judged by Allah (God). Some will reside in Paradise, others in Hell.  Rituals and customs around death and dying Ritual washing is usually performed by the family or close friends at the Mosque, funeral directors or cemetery. They will wrap the body in a clean cloth or shroud.  Muslims are buried, not cremated, ideally within 24 hours of the death. The deceased is buried without a coffin. If this is not possible, a plain coffin is used.  The grave is aligned to enable the body of the person who has died to be placed on its right side facing the holy city of Mecca. Muslim graves are usually unmarked but, to meet UK requirements, a simple headstone is used. Expressions of grief and the mourning period Muslims believe that death is a part of Allah’s plan; grief and sadness may be expressed as long as one does ...