COVID-19 and Islamic Burial Laws: Safeguarding dignity of the dead

This article details Islamic burial laws along with farḍ kifāyah, and how Islamic Burial practices have been adapted to the current COVID-19 pandemic. The article details specific burial rituals, such as ghusl, kafan, and salat al-janazah. The article features Ahmed Al-Dawoody, legal advisor on Islamic Law at the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) and Oran Finegan, head of Forensics at the ICRC. An audio file of the article is available on the ICRC website

International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC): Management of the dead under Islamic law

Many civilisations and religions regard death as a transitional period, bridging one stage of life with another. Protecting the dead and thus ensuring that human remains are respected is essential to ensure dignity for all and to show respect for the feelings of loved ones who are still alive. Islamic law contains many rules to that effect, which must guide the actions of forensic specialists, including during armed conflict and other situations of violence. This paper looks at the humanitarian needs around the issue of the dead in conflict and emergency situations through the perspective of Islamic law

International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC): General guidance for the management of the dead related to COVID-19

Based on its forensic capacity and experience gained worldwide from the management of the dead in emergencies, including epidemics, the International Committee of the Red Cross has been asked by the authorities and other relevant stakeholders in some of its operational contexts to advise on the management of the dead from COVID-19 infection, for which it has prepared the following guidance. This includes advice on the handling of COVID-19 fatalities and a set of considerations for managers faced with the need to plan for adequately responding to a possible surge in fatalities caused by COVID-19