How they bury in Turkey: traditions and customs of Muslims.
This month has brought sadness and pain to our family - my father-in-law, my husband's father, has passed away. And this event made me think about how little I, like many of my Christian friends, know about Muslim funerals, even though I have lived in Turkey for 18 years.
- How to behave
- What to say?
- How to help in such moments?
These questions arose in my mind today, and I decided to share my experience and tell you how this important ritual takes place in Turkey.
Muslim Funeral Rites
In Islam, the funeral process is treated with special respect and reverence. The first thing to know is the desire to bury the deceased as soon as possible. If a person dies in the morning or during the day, the funeral is held on the same day before sunset. If death occurs in the evening or at night, the ceremony is postponed to the next day.
In Islam, autopsy is not allowed, it is avoided unless there is a special indication for it. Washing the body before burial is a mandatory ritual. The washing process is carried out by a person of the same gender as the deceased, it must be a believer and a pious person.
The deceased is buried in a white shroud, without using clothing or a coffin. After washing, the body is wrapped in a white cloth called a shroud and prepared for burial. The process begins with a prayer during which the mullah reads suras from the Koran. As the body is lowered into the grave, the mullah throws in the first clod of earth.
Important Traditions
A characteristic feature of Muslim funerals is their strict and modest nature. It is not customary to cry loudly or wail at the ceremony. It is important to maintain dignity and humility. Women are usually not allowed to be present at the cemetery during the burial process itself, although some families deviate from this tradition.
After the funeral is over, everyone gathers at the deceased's house for prayer and support for the family. Tents for men and women are set up outside, provided by the municipality. Turkey also has an interesting tradition with the "cayci" - a special machine that prepares and serves tea to guests all day long. In addition to tea, guests are treated to flatbreads resembling unsweetened donuts and halva. In wealthier families, dinner may be served.
During the wake, prayers are constantly read, it is explained that death is a natural stage, and that the deceased is beginning a new, better life. Monuments are installed only after a year, and they try to make them without excesses - avoiding decorations or photographs.
How to express condolences?
- May your head remain intact.
- Allah rahmet etsin - May Allah have mercy on him.
- May he rest in light - May he rest in light.
These phrases convey sympathy and support, even if you did not know the deceased closely.
How to support your family?
It is very important to come to the funeral or at least the day after. Even if you did not know the deceased personally, but are familiar with his family members, your presence will be a sign of respect and support. In Turkey, it is important to show that you are there in difficult times, that people can count on you.
What to wear?
You don't have to wear black, but it is important to dress modestly. Avoid bright colors, bare shoulders, low necklines, and short skirts. Choose discreet and modest outfits.
How to behave?
After you have come to the funeral, approach your acquaintances, express your condolences, drink tea and join in the common prayer. Even if you profess another religion, you can pray quietly, in your own language or in your heart. It is important to show respect for local traditions and rituals.
Conclusion
These customs may seem unusual to us Christians, but they are imbued with a deep respect for life and death. Saying goodbye to the deceased is an important part of life, reminding us of the inevitability of death and the importance of supporting loved ones at this time. I hope this post was useful and helped you better understand Muslim funeral traditions in Turkey.
Take care of yourself and your loved ones ❤️.