Islamic Funeral Society

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WHO WE ARE

Established in 1992, The Islamic Funeral society (IFS) is a community not for profit – no one individual or entity profits from the operation of the society.

The IFS comprises all the Mosques in Edmonton who elect an executive board to determine the direction and monitor the operation of funeral and burial services. IFS delegated the Canadian Islamic Centre (Al Rashid Mosque) to take care of all funeral services.

IFS has and will always endeavour to meet the needs of the families we serve by maintaining the highest ethical standards while being sensitive to the changing needs of our community. We strive to ensure that all families are treated with the utmost fairness, dignity and respect. We are also committed to working within the financial means of all families, and provide support for those that cannot afford funeral services.

OUR MISSION

Islamic Funeral Society’s mission is to provide high-quality funeral and burial services to Muslims in Edmonton and surrounding areas. To offer these services at affordable prices and to adhere to the highest moral and ethical standards and to serve all cultures while staying faithful to Islam teachings.

Funerals in Islam

An Islamic funeral is believed to be a very spiritual occasion. One significant funeral rite in the Islamic faith is that burial takes place as quickly as possible after death. For this reason, there is no embalming or cremation permitted, and there is no autopsy unless required by law. Also, transporting the deceased to another country is rare. Muslims are typically buried in the place where they die.

The funeral is usually held in the Mosque’s prayer hall where members of the community gather. The deceased body and all attendees are all turned to face Mecca (Qibla). The funeral prayer is led by the Imam or a family member of the deceased. After prayer, the deceased is taken to the burial site in a silent procession.

After the prayer, the deceased is taken to the cemetery for the burial; family members usually carry the casket. The deceased is placed into the grave lying on their right side facing Mecca (Qibla). All Muslims should be treated equally at the time of their death from preparation of cleansing, shrouding the deceased, to the funeral prayer.