My co-worker (female) mother is died and her funeral is at some church in Brooklyn tomorrow. I can’t skip it and neither i have ever been to any Christian funeral before.
All i know is one should wear black, .. so i will go in black suit..
but what else?
anyone (Muslim) have experience attending - some pointers will be helpful and much appreciated !
Re: Funeral
I went to one once. Wore my black suit (though realized that its not really a mandatory attire), and sat at the back bench. After the sermon and all, people in line passed by the casket to pay respect and after that, stopped at the front bench where family was sitting and just hold their hand for a sec to extend comfort.
I went to one once. Wore my black suit (though realized that its not really a mandatory attire), and sat at the back bench. After the sermon and all, people in line passed by the casket to pay respect and after that, stopped at the front bench where family was sitting and just hold their hand for a sec to extend comfort.
Leave a flower or just pass on !
Re: Funeral
I dont remeber leaving any flowers. Just a short one second stop (because others are behind you) at the casket to pay respect and move forward.
Re: Funeral
If she is a co-worker and you are not particularly close then you just do what TLK bhai said, and at the end you just go to your co-worker and express your condolensces...after that you can leave if you wish....
I went a funeral for my colleague's mum - she died under quite unfortunate circumstances (80+ years old and was running across the street to make a bus - hit head on and died instantly).
I wore black - though as mentioned above it's not absolutely necessary - though strongly suggested if the family is Roman Catholic (I find Italians, Spanish, Portugese observe black for a year after a near family member dies) and easier to wear something that you know is acceptable rather than risk wearing something that may not be.
There may be a kneeling stool in front of the casket - for people of their faith - they kneel and say a prayer in front of the casket - people not of the faith are not expected to.
Depending on where you meet the family to express your condolences - while they are seated in the church pews or at the back of the church - sort of like a receiving line - all you need to do is say a few words to express your sympathy.
Re: Funeral
^ Thanks TLk, Maroush Bibi & Sehrysh !
1) Wear Black Suit
2) Sit in the back
3) Leave a single white rose on casket
4) Say condolence words to family
5) Run as fast i can !
Bingo.. !
I have been to non-Muslim funerals a few times, but obviously I don't participate in any of the religious rituals. :)
I don't have a back-up to this Islamic statement but I heard this that it is sunnah to stand up in respect for any funeral be it that of any non-Muslim as it is a muslim's duty to be dutiful and behave kindly towards non-Muslims. Also many non-muslims eg Hindu's etc came to my family funerals and showed so much respect.
So its really nice of you to make the time to go for your co-worker. Be yourself, you could take some flowers, if they have any rituals in the church then move to back and at the end express your condolensces to your co-worker.
:)