Janazah & Burial
At times of bereavement, Colchester Central Mosque is here to support families through every stage of the process — from the moment a loved one’s health begins to fail, through to washing, shrouding, funeral prayer, and burial. This page explains what to do, who to contact, and how we can help.
If a Death Has Occurred
Call the mosque on 01206 700872 or 07927 420807 — day or night.
Please also call Hunnaball of Colchester on 01206 760049 (24/7) so that your loved one can be collected. We will need to know where they have been taken in order to arrange ghusl and shrouding.
When a Loved One is Nearing the End of Life
- Encourage those present to recite the Shahada and Qur’an quietly at the bedside, and to keep the atmosphere calm and dignified.
- If the person is in hospital or a care home, inform staff that the family wishes to be present and that Islamic end-of-life practices should be respected.
- Contact the Mosque as soon as possible on 01206 700872 or 07927 420807 — our Imam can attend to offer support and guidance to the family, and we can begin preparing for the practical steps ahead.
When Death Occurs — Who to Call First
- A doctor or medical professional must confirm the death and, in most cases, issue a Medical Certificate of Cause of Death (MCCD).
- If death occurs at home, call 111 (or 999 in an emergency) so a doctor can attend.
- If death occurs in hospital or a care home, staff will handle this step.
- A funeral director — call to arrange collection and transport of the deceased. We recommend Hunnaball of Colchester on 01206 760049 (24/7). Please call them before the Mosque, as we will need to know where the deceased has been taken in order to arrange ghusl and shrouding.
- Colchester Central Mosque — call us on 01206 700872 or 07927 420807 once the funeral director is arranged. We will coordinate ghusl (washing), kafan (shrouding), and the janazah prayer, and support the family through the rest of the process.
If the death was sudden, unexpected, or the cause is unclear, the doctor may refer the case to the coroner. This can delay burial, so please let us know immediately if this happens — we can support the family and, where appropriate, liaise with the coroner’s office on your behalf to help proceedings move as quickly as possible in line with Islamic requirements for timely burial.
Registering the Death
The death must be registered within 5 days, unless the coroner is investigating.
Colchester Registration Office
Colchester Library, 21 Trinity Square, Colchester, CO1 1JB
0345 603 7632
registration@essex.gov.uk
Appointment only — please book as early as possible.
Essex Coroner’s Service
If the death has been referred to the coroner, they will advise when the death can be registered.
0333 013 5000
coroner@essex.gov.uk
Our Recommended Funeral Director
We work closely with Hunnaball Family Funerals, who are experienced in supporting Islamic funeral requirements, including use of their facilities for ghusl preparation.
Hunnaball of Colchester
The Gate House, Old Coach Road, Colchester, CO1 2TH
01206 760049 (24/7)
You are welcome to use a different funeral director if you prefer — the Mosque is happy to work with whoever the family chooses.
What the Mosque Provides
Our trained volunteers and Imam are able to assist with:
- Ghusl — ritual washing of the deceased, carried out by same-gender volunteers with care and dignity.
- Kafan — shrouding in accordance with Sunnah.
- Salat al-Janazah — the funeral prayer, held at the Mosque.
- Guidance and support for the family throughout, including help liaising with the funeral director, cemetery, and (where needed) the coroner’s office.
Suggested contribution: £350, which covers the shroud, use of our ghusl facilities, and the Imam’s time. This is offered on a cost-recovery basis — no family will ever be turned away if they are unable to contribute, and the amount can be discussed confidentially with the committee.
Please note: this contribution does not include the funeral director’s fees, cemetery/grave costs, or transport — these are arranged and paid separately, and we’re happy to advise on typical costs when you contact us.
Whatever stage you are at, please call us — day or night.
Colchester Islamic Cultural Association
01206 700872 or 07927 420807