How is a dead muslim given a bath
Understanding Islamic Funeral Rituals
When my mother knew that
my sister and I were learning about funeral rites
she was so happy.
She prayed that
"One day, my children will shower for me
pray for me
and do the Solat (prayers) for me.
It’s our responsibility
to shower them
to shroud them.
The showering process is your last touch
and this is how we should repay our parents
[In Malay] for everything they’ve done.
[Islamic prayers]
My name is Haji Roslan
and I’m the Director of Pengurusan Jenazah Sinaran Baharu.
I’m an Imam.
For me
as an Imam, we shouldn’t judge the body (deceased).
When the deceased passes away
there are three good signs
and three bad signs.
If the eyes open up
that’s a good sign.
Because Allah (God) is showing you all the good things you did
when you were alive.
It’s like (viewing) a video.
But when the soul that comes out of the body
sounds like a camel
or a cow being slaughtered
[Mimics low growling sound]
that’s one of the bad signs.
“When he dies like this, he must be a bad person.”
No, we cannot think that way.
Never, never badmouth or curse the deceased.
If you think, “All these people going to enter hell, useless.”
Come on, brother.
How are you going to answer to the Malaikat’s (Angel) question?
[In Arabic] "Who are your brothers and sisters?"
Whether he dies in a good way or bad way
even if he committed suicide
as muslim brothers, we have to pray (wish) the best for him.
because punishment is from God, not us.
In Singapore, we practise Talqin.
The purpose of Talqin is
to teach the deceased what to do at the graveyard.
After the burial
the two angels will come.
The angels will question the deceased at the graveyard.
“Who is your god?”
“Who is your prophet?”
“What is your religion?”
“Who is your Imam?”
“Who are your brothers and sisters?”
All those still alive listening to the Talqin
you have to be prepared
that you will be lying there (dead) and be questioned as well.
Then, you won’t be arrogant.
Because at the end of the day
all your rank, your house, your wealth
whatever valuables (you have) in this world
you will have to leave behind.
[Passing traffic sounds]
[Soft piano playing] [Passing traffic sounds]
Intan: Today’s deceased will arrive from the hospital
to the Pusara Aman Mosque
to be showered and shrouded.
After which, we will do the prayers
and go to the cemetery.
We will make all the preparations for the Jenazah (deceased)
from A to Z.
Haji: I got my sister to join me
because she used to be a stay-home nurse.
Now that I’m 55 years old
I need to get someone whom I can trust (to help me).
So I got my sister.
When I first started the business with my wife
we were always waiting for people to call us.
People are praying to have a long life
but we are always expecting people to die.
Sorry, sorry, sorry.
Because it’s the reality
it’s my job scope, you see.
If nobody dies, there's no job.
No job, no income.
I was thinking that we were doing the wrong thing.
I told my wife
“Why don’t we conduct classes
to teach those who want to learn about funeral.”
At least you know how to become an Imam
when your parents pass away.
Think of death.
When you think of death
you become a good man.
