Funeral ( Janaaza) Services

Islamic Society of Western Massachusetts (ISWM)

377 Amostown Rd, West Springfield, 01089

To reach ISWM for Janaza or funeral arrangement or for any question in this regard, please use following contacts. Also, please read and print this document and provide the information required.

1. Imam Wissam Abdel-Baki 413-330-1161
2. The Islamic Center (ISWM): 413-788-7546
3. Brother Khurram Abbasi: 413-657-5511
4. Brother Abdul Sattar: 413-221-7111
5. Brother Maher Awkal: 413-636-7373
6. Harrell Funeral Home on 355 St. James Ave., Springfield, MA. Tel: 413-737-0641

If you are not able to reach any of them, please come to our center especially at a prayer time to discuss the matter in person.

ISWM Burial Procedures (Effective March 22, 2020) (Board Contacts: Br. Khurram Abbasi & Sister Saadia) Scenario A: Regular/Normal Death (Non COVID-19 related)

• Coordination & Transportation

• • The family members will contact the Funeral Home (Recommend Harrell’s funeral home in Springfield)
  • The Funeral Home director will make all the necessary arrangements for the burial (day and time ) which includes transportation from the hospital or home to cemetery

• Washing of Body

• • The Body is to be washed  and shrouded at the Funeral home or at the residence of one of the family members (there will be no ghusl at ISWM)
  • The body will be washed and shrouded by family members and close friends of the same gender. Supervisory help can be provided by an experienced ISWM designated person
  • All participants washing and shrouding should wear a gown, shoe covers, mask and gloves.

• Janaza Prayer

• • Prayer will be done at the Funeral Home or at the Cemetery yard and will be confined to a limit of 25 (Family members and close friends /relatives, not to exceed 25)
  • During the gathering at the Funeral Home and at the Cemetery, social distancing should be kept in mind (3-6 feet apart from each other)

Scenario B: COVID-19 Related

• Coordination & Transportation

• • The family members will contact the Funeral Home (Recommend Harrell’s funeral home in Springfield)
  • The Funeral Home director will make all the necessary arrangements for the burial (day and time ) which includes transportation from the hospital or home to cemetery

• Washing of Body

• • The Body is expected to be in a think sealed plastic bag that is not allowed to be opened. Thus the washing (ghusl) of the body cannot occur. Shrouding will occur at the Funeral home (there will be no ghusl at ISWM)
  • The body will be shrouded by family members and close friends of the same gender. Supervisory help can be provided by an experienced ISWM designated person
  • All participants shrouding should wear a gown, shoe covers, mask and gloves.

• Janaza Prayer

• • Prayer will be done at the Funeral Home or at the Cemetery yard and will be confined to a limit of 25 (Family members and close friends /relatives, not to exceed 25)
  • During the gathering at the Funeral Home and at the Cemetery, social distancing should be kept in mind (3-6 feet apart from each other)

NOTE: COVID-19 burial procedures are subject to CDC & State/Federal Laws which are not 100% confirmed yet. These are subject to change.  Extra Items:

• Casket; with the removable lid
• Plywood box to hold body

PLEASE RPOVIDE THIS INFORMATION

• Name of the Deceased:    ______________________________________
  • • Family Member Contact: __________________________ Phone #:  __________________
    • Was deceased a Muslim? Yes—–  Appropriate confirmation is needed if the deceased was not known to our community
    • Where is the body?  Home ___   Hospital ____   Funeral Home____   Other _____
    • Address or Location: __________________________________________________ 
  • • Cause of Death: __________________________
    • Deceased’s Frame: Small ___ Medium ___ Large ____
    • Expected Burial Date: _______________Time:  Fall/Winter 2:30pm ___ Spring/Summer 5:30pm ___
    • Janaaza  Kit  Needed:   Yes____    No ____   Cost: $50
    • Burial Cost Paid By:   Family _____   Other______________
    • Requirements of Family:   Food ____ Counseling ____ Other _______­­­­­
  • Muslim Cemetery
    Muslim Cemetery (owned by the Islamic Center of Connecticut) is located at 96 North Maple Rd, Enfield, CT. Directions to cemetery: From I91 Exit 47 East to, Hazardville. Go East on Rt. I90 to the center of Hazardville and turn left on Rt.I92. After about 1 1/Miles, the Muslim Cemetery is on the right opposite Agway Store