Not sure what to wear to a Muslim funeral? Whether attending or preparing, picking the right attire can be confusing. You’re not alone in this situation.
As your guide, we’ll provide helpful advice on Muslim funeral attire from different regions. In this article, you’ll find:
- Traditional attire in the Middle East, South Asia, Southeast Asia, and Central Asia
- The importance of modesty and respect in clothing
- How to choose the right funeral attire
By following this guide, you’ll feel confident in your choices. Keep reading to understand the cultural meaning behind the clothing.
1. Funeral Attire in the Middle East and North Africa
Saudi Arabia: Men often wear long robes called “dishdasha” or “thobe,” which are usually white or dark-colored. Women wear long black dresses or abayas and cover their hair with a hijab or headscarf. During mourning, they usually avoid jewelry and accessories.
Egypt: Men wear a long robe called “Galabeya,” while women wear black dresses or abayas and cover their hair with a headscarf. The focus is on modest, simple clothing.
Morocco: Funeral attire for men typically includes a “djellaba,” a long robe, or sometimes a “kaftan.” Women wear dark-colored dresses or abayas and cover their hair with a scarf. The attire is respectful and modest, though some people might wear slightly more decorative clothing.
Iran: Men wear dark-colored suits, often black, while women wear long, dark dresses, manteaus, or chadors, covering their hair with a hijab. The mourning period can last several days, and mourners continue wearing respectful, modest clothing throughout.
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2. Funeral Attire in South Asia
Pakistan: Men wear white or dark kurtas and shalwar, and some wear a “topi” (cap) to show respect. Women wear long sarees or salwar kameez in dark colors, often black, and cover their heads with a scarf or dupatta. During mourning, people may recite prayers from the Qur’an.
India: Men wear kurtas and shalwar in white or dark colors. Women wear dark sarees or salwar kameez, often in black to show mourning and cover their heads with a scarf or dupatta. Reciting prayers is an important part of mourning.
Bangladesh: Men wear white or dark kurtas with shalwar, and women wear dark sarees or salwar kameez, often black for mourning, with a scarf or dupatta. Prayers are recited during the mourning period.
3. Funeral Attire in Southeast Asia
Indonesia and Malaysia: Mourners wear dark traditional clothes. Women wear the “Baju Kurung” (a long dress), and men wear the “Baju Melayu” (a traditional outfit). In Indonesia, men might also wear a “Baju koko” (buttoned shirt) with sarongs or pants.
Women often wear an abaya or Baju Kurung in muted colors like white or dark shades and cover their heads with a hijab.
Thailand: Mourners wear simple, modest clothes in muted tones, similar to Indonesia and Malaysia.
Philippines: In the Mindanao region, where many Muslims live, men wear the “barong” (a traditional shirt), and women wear long dresses or blouses with skirts or pants. The colors are usually dark or white.
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4. Funeral Attire in Turkey and Central Asia
Turkey: Men typically wear dark suits, and women wear black attire. Women also cover their heads with a headscarf or turban during the funeral.
Central Asia (Uzbekistan and Kazakhstan): Men often wear a “Chapan” (a long robe) or tunic, while women wear long dresses and headscarves.
Muslim Funeral Attire: A Recap
Muslim funeral service attire emphasizes respect, modesty, and adherence to cultural traditions. In Muslim funeral service practices, men often wear simple, dark clothing like a “kufi” or “dishdasha,” while women typically wear long dresses or abayas and cover their heads with a hijab.
This attire is aligned with the solemn nature of Islamic funerals and reflects the spiritual significance of the event.
In Islamic funerals, the clothing is chosen to demonstrate humility and respect, by Islamic religious codes. The attire represents the belief in the afterlife and the physical resurrection. Accessories are kept minimal, and jewelry is avoided as a symbol of mourning.
Muslim funeral traditions ensure that the clothing reflects the dignity of the event, whether it is a traditional or more modern adaptation. The attire at these ceremonies is also influenced by the customs surrounding dead Muslims and the spiritual preparation for the afterlife.
In certain cases, the practices may be connected to Islamic holy cities, where funeral rites are closely followed according to religious teachings.
