In the Islamic tradition, the deceased are buried and not cremated.
In light of the pandemic, Masjid Nagoya is receiving inquiries by Muslims worried they might be cremated.
In the “Act on the Prevention of Infectious Diseases and Medical Care for Patients with Infectious Diseases.” (Law number: Act No. 114 of 1998), it is mentioned, “the corpses contaminated or suspected to have been contaminated with pathogens of a Class I Infectious Disease, a Class II Infectious Disease, a Class III Infectious Disease or a Novel Influenza Infection, etc. must be cremated”. However, that passage is followed by “provided, however, that the burial of those corpses may be allowed if adequate disinfection has been completed and the permission of the prefectural governor has been obtained”.
Aichi prefecture, upon being inquired, instructed us to “not open the bag in which the deceased body is contained during transportation in order to prevent infections”. It is highly likely that at least in Aichi prefecture, permission for burial may be granted (graveyard used for burial will be in other prefectures).
Masjid Nagoya recommends Muslims to submit a “Statement Regarding Burial”. Though not legally binding, it may become useful when the Masjid and family may have to negotiate with hospitals and municipalities. The form can be downloaded from this page. Please fill in the form by yourself, press your stamp (hanko), and make a photocopy. Send the original to Masjid Nagoya by post and keep the copy for your family.
If you are a revert Muslim who has signed the section in the Muslim Certificate where it makes clear your wish to be buried, you do not have to submit this new form attached to this page (there is no problem in submitting again. If you are worried, please feel free to do so).
“Indeed we belong to Allah , and indeed to him we will return.” [Qur’an 2:156]
*Please make sure to submit the form by post. Masjid Nagoya is completely shut and closed, and hence submission cannot be done by bringing it to the Masjid. For any inquiries regarding this matter, please contact us by email, and not by phone.
How to make a “Statement Regarding Burial”
In the Islamic tradition, the deceased are buried and not cremated. In light of the pandemic, Masjid Nagoya is receiving inquiries by Muslims worried they might be cremated. In the “Act on the Prevention of Infectious Diseases and Medical Care for Patients with Infectious Diseases.” (Law number: Act No. 114 of 1998), it is mentioned, “the corpses contaminated or suspected to have been contaminated with pathogens of a Class I Infectious Disease, a Class II Infectious Disease, a Class III Infectious Disease or a Novel Influenza Infection, etc. must be cremated”. However, that passage is followed by “provided, however, that the burial of those corpses may be allowed if adequate disinfection has been completed and the permission of the prefectural governor has been obtained”. Aichi prefecture, upon being inquired, instructed us to “not open the bag in which the deceased body is contained during transportation in order to prevent infections”. It is highly likely that at least in Aichi prefecture, permission for burial may be granted (graveyard used for burial will be in other prefectures).
Masjid Nagoya recommends Muslims to submit a “Statement Regarding Burial”. Though not legally binding, it may become useful when the Masjid and family may have to negotiate with hospitals and municipalities. The form can be downloaded from this page. Please fill in the form by yourself, press your stamp (hanko), and make a photocopy. Send the original to Masjid Nagoya by post and keep the copy for your family. If you are a revert Muslim who has signed the section in the Muslim Certificate where it makes clear your wish to be buried, you do not have to submit this new form attached to this page (there is no problem in submitting again. If you are worried, please feel free to do so).
“Indeed we belong to Allah , and indeed to him we will return.” [Qur’an 2:156]
*Please make sure to submit the form by post. Masjid Nagoya is completely shut and closed, and hence submission cannot be done by bringing it to the Masjid. For any inquiries regarding this matter, please contact us by email, and not by phone.