Religious Burials
Guidance for Muslim, Christian & Jewish Burials
Every faith honours the dead in its own way, with its own rituals, timings and traditions. When you're arranging a funeral for a loved one, getting these details right matters – both to give them the send-off their beliefs call for, and to give your family peace of mind that it was done properly.
Below you'll find dedicated guides to Muslim, Christian and Jewish burial customs in the UK, plus support finding funeral directors experienced in arranging faith-specific funerals.
Please note that we're aware practices vary by community, denomination or country of origin, and we encourage readers to consult their own imam, rabbi or clergy for guidance.
Religious Burials
Muslim Burials
Islamic tradition calls for swift burial, ideally within 24 hours, and does not permit cremation.
The body is washed (ghusl) and shrouded in plain white cloth (kafan) before the community offers Salat al‑Janazah.
Burial takes place with the deceased on their right side facing Mecca, and the grave is kept simple and unadorned.
Find a Funeral helps families locate funeral directors experienced in Islamic practices, ensuring the correct rituals and cultural requirements are respected.
Religious Burials
Christian Burials
Christian funerals typically include a church or chapel service, with prayers, readings and hymns that reflect hope, resurrection and eternal life.
The body is usually buried in a cemetery or churchyard, often following a committal where the minister says final prayers at the graveside.
Families may choose a coffin or casket, and graves are commonly marked with a headstone or cross as a lasting memorial.
Traditions vary between denominations, but most Christian funerals emphasise honouring the person’s life, offering comfort to the family, and commending the deceased to God.
Find a Funeral helps families find funeral directors experienced in Christian services, ensuring the right support for church arrangements, ministers, burial planning and memorial choices.
Religious Burials
Jewish Burials
Jewish tradition calls for burial as soon as possible, often within 24 hours, and cremation is not permitted in most Jewish communities.
The deceased is given a ritual washing (taharah) by the chevra kadisha, then dressed in simple white shrouds (tachrichim) to reflect purity and equality.
The funeral service is typically brief and dignified, with Psalms, prayers and a eulogy, followed by burial in a plain wooden coffin.
At the graveside, mourners may participate in placing earth onto the coffin, symbolising respect and the finality of burial.
Find a Funeral helps families find funeral directors experienced in Jewish customs, ensuring the correct care, preparation and burial practices are followed.
Finding a Funeral Director Experienced in Your Faith
Not every funeral director is equally experienced with every faith’s requirements – from same-day burial arrangements to washing and shrouding facilities.
Use our comparison tool to find local funeral directors who understand what your family needs.
Funeral Finder
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Support Resources
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Connections
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Dealing With the Legal Side of a Death
Christian funerals often include a church or chapel service with prayers, readings and hymns. Jewish funerals focus on simplicity, with ritual washing (taharah), plain shrouds and swift burial. Islamic funerals also require quick burial, with washing (ghusl), shrouding (kafan) and Janazah prayers before laying the deceased to rest facing Mecca.
No. Traditions can vary widely depending on denomination, community customs and country of origin. Each page on our site highlights that practices may differ, and families should always consult their own imam, rabbi or clergy for guidance.
Yes. Many funeral directors specialise in Christian, Jewish or Islamic funerals and can support the specific rituals required. Our comparison tool helps you identify providers with the right experience.
Simply enter your postcode and a few details about the funeral you’re arranging. You’ll instantly see a list of funeral directors near you, along with prices, services offered and key information to help you compare options.
Yes. Each funeral director lists clear costs so you can compare services without hidden fees.
Absolutely. Once you’ve found a suitable provider, you can reach out to them directly to discuss arrangements, religious requirements and availability.
Find a Funeral works across the UK, helping you locate trusted funeral directors wherever you live.