See also
Muslims
Religion |
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Burial Procedure:
 An
individual who discovers a death would inform the rest of the family
in the house and elders then would inform the wider relatives and
friends who may be widely dispersed. It is common to hear an obituary
announcements in the early morning on the radio about a loved one who
has passed away giving friends and relations the time and funeral
arrangements
Burials and funerals in Gambia (known locally as 'dech') follow
the Muslims practices and rituals as stated down by Islamic Sharia.
The corpse of the
deceased is ritually washed as a last, purifying ablution then
perfumed. This act is by custom supposed to be carried out by someone
of the same sex as the deceased person except in the case of a child
under 8. The body is then wrapped in a
white shroud and the dead person's hands are
crossed over their chest. A special prayer called salat ul jenazah
made over their remains.
Custom dictates that the burial should takes place as soon as possible
preferably within 24 hours of death, even if necessary in the evening
time. Religious custom as says that only men can make up the funeral
procession that accompanies the dead person to the cemetery. Prayers
are normally performed firstly in the local Mosque then the body is
taken to their local cemetery in a wooden coffin or stretcher
which will be re-used for the next person. When the mourners reach the
grave prayers are said then the body is taken out of the coffin and
placed in the ground on his or her right side and facing the direction
of Mecca. Planks are laid at soil level then leaves are placed
over it. Finally the soil is pushed over
by relatives and not the grave diggers.
Finally a very
simple marker is used to identify the grave as elaborate grave stones
are frowned upon as it is believed the money saved can be put to
better use in the community.
Condolences:
After the body's internment the men return to the family house to
express their condolences (Jale) and usually contribute any amount of
money (Sarahh) by placing it on a sheet where the women related to the
deceased would be sitting. Koranic recitals are done in which the
whole of the Koran is read out by numbers of people.
Mourning Period:
This is then
followed by 3 days of mourning which is followed by a 40 day charity.
The fortieth day is said to be the day their soul enters heaven and so
more prayer vigils are performed.
In the case of a widow she must remain indoors for her mourning period of 4
months 10 days and should dress very simply, not wear any jewellery or
make-up. The reason for this
is to ensure that if she is pregnant it will become obvious during
this time and everyone will know who the father is. If she is not then
she can re-marry. In the case of a widower he is expected to at least
keep a low social profile for the next few months.
Not all burial rites are strictly followed as
laid down in Sharia Law and it is often common to see variations
within the Muslim community in Gambia itself not to mention the Muslim
world at large.
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