Islamic funerals (Arabic: جنازة, romanized: Janāzah) follow fairly specific rites, though they are subject to regional interpretation and variation in custom. In all cases, however, sharia (Islamic religious law) calls for burial of the body as soon as possible. The deceased is first bathed and shrouded with simple white cloth. Then a funeral prayer, Salat al-jinazah, is performed. Cremation of the body is strictly forbidden in Islam and the body is buried without a casket and the head faces Mecca. Mourning for the deceased is observed for three days except for the widow who mourns for 4 months and 10 days.
