The Complete Guide On What To Wear To A Muslim Funeral

The modern lifestyle is a vibrant tapestry woven from various threads. This guide talks you through what to wear to a Muslim funeral. When you have to attend a funeral it can be nerve racking making sure you are picking the right attire. However, attending a funeral that may have certain cultural rules and requirements about the dress code can be even more overwhelming. In this guide, we will take you through all the dos and don’ts when picking an outfit for a Muslim funeral.

Table of Contents

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Why is modest clothing so important at a funeral?
What is modest funeral attire for men?
What is modest funeral attire for women?
Why clean socks are a must at a Muslim funeral!
The importance of a head covering at a Muslim funeral
What colours to wear to a Muslim funeral
What accessories should you wear to a Muslim funeral
The importance of enquiring about the funeral before attending

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Modesty: Why Is Modest Clothing So Important For Any Funeral?

No matter what funeral you may attend, modesty will always be important. A funeral is a time to respect the deceased & the family of the deceased. Therefore items of clothing like miniskirts, shorts, vests and shoes you might see in a nightclub are all very much frowned upon.

At a Muslim funeral this also ties in with religion and cultural appropriation. At a Muslim funeral it is important to cover both your arms and your legs as a sign of respect not only to the deceased but to Islamic religion. It is a tradition and in many cases “haram” (an Arabic term meaning forbidden or unlawful) to wear clothes that would reveal shoulders or too much skin, especially in a place of prayer and worship.

Modest funeral attire for men at a Muslim funeral?

If men are trying to pick modest attire for a Muslim funeral then they should opt for long smart trousers such as suit pants or smart chinos and a long sleeved shirt is a must when attending a Muslim funeral. They should avoid tracksuit pants and casual jeans as these can be seen as disrespectful. When choosing shoes, smart shoes are a must! Loafers or suit shoes that do not make a lot of noise would be best, and men should try to avoid squeaky or heavy-footed shoes. It is also important to wear shoes that are easy to take off as you will be required to take off your shoes during prayer.

What is modest funeral attire for a woman at a Muslim funeral?

For women looking to pick modest attire for a Muslim funeral, it is important to wear a long-sleeved top with a high neckline. A long skirt or long loose-fitting smart trousers should also be worn. It is best to avoid anything tight fitting, so jeans or tight trousers should be avoided. Women will also be required to cover their shoulders and their heads, so it is important to bring a shawl that will cover both your shoulders and your head. When choosing shoes, choose modest flat shoes and avoid high heels. Instead wear flat but smart shoes that are easy to take off as you will be required to remove them during prayer.

Clean and matching socks for every gender is a must!

Although it may seem like a silly thing to say “you must wear clean socks” however, it’s a factor that shouldn’t be overlooked! You will be requested to remove your shoes during prayer so it is important that your socks are clean and don’t have any holes in them!

The importance of a head covering at a Muslim funeral

Both men and women will be required to cover their heads during a Muslim funeral. In Islam, covering the head for both men and women is a sign of respect and humility, particularly in religious settings such as a mosque or during prayer. During a Muslim funeral, both men and women may cover their heads as a mark of reverence for the deceased and as a symbol of their submission to the will of God.

What head cover to wear as a man to a Muslim funeral

For men they may wear a cap like the one pictured below (not a baseball cap) or a head scarf.

What head cover to wear as a woman to a Muslim funeral

For women, a headscarf or a hijab is appropriate for a woman to wear to a Muslim funeral

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What colours to wear a Muslim funeral?

You may be asked to wear certain colours on the invitation or notice about the funeral, such as black. However, if the deceased’s family has not specified what colours to wear then it is best to go with neutral colours.

Colours such as black, beige, brown, navy or touches of white are all appropriate colours to wear at a funeral

The above colour palette is a guide on the colours you could potentially wear to a Muslim funeral.

Should you accessorise going to a Muslim funeral?

Wearing jewellery to a Muslim funeral is ok. However, you should keep jewellery to a minimum and do not wear anything “flashy” or overstated. Simple rings, necklaces or chains are fine to wear.

If you are unsure then enquire about the Muslim funeral service

If you are unsure about what will happen or what you should wear to a Muslim funeral service then it is important to enquire before attending. If the family of the deceased have any special requirements when it comes to the dress code or etiquette then it is important to speak to the family. This is particularly important if you are not a Muslim.

Although many modern Muslim funerals allow women, it is important to note that in Islam women, by tradition, do not normally attend a Muslim funeral. In some cases only men will be allowed to attend the funeral. So it is important to acknowledge the customs and cultural practices of the deceased.

Here we go into more detail about what you can expect to happen at a Muslim funeral service