Funerals are a difficult time for everyone involved but are an important part of saying goodbye to loved ones and remembering their lives. In many cultures, giving flowers as a way to show condolences at a funeral is an accepted and appreciated practice.
However, before you attempt to send just any flower, it is important to know that some flowers are more appropriate than others. Not only that, but sometimes they aren’t appropriate at all. This is especially the case with Islamic funerals. With that in mind, this article is going to go over how to choose the appropriate flowers for an Islamic funeral and go over other ways to show your sympathy and offer condolences.
Fragrant Flowers
(via: https://pixabay.com/photos/white-flowers-spring-bloom-garden-4739784/)
If you do decide to bring flowers to an Islamic funeral, it is important to do so carefully. In most cases, you will want to ensure the flowers you get are fragrant. You can visit Bouqs, or find these flowers down at your local shop, the choice is yours.
Of the many options for fragrant flowers, roses have long been one of the most popular choices for Islamic funerals. They have a strong and wonderful scent, look beautiful, and are relatively easy to find and affordable for almost any budget. The main reason why fragrant flowers are preferred is to repel the scent of the body.
Greenery
In addition to fragrant flowers like roses, greenery, in general, can be a good choice. It is subtle, looks good, and is simplistic and minimalistic. This fits the theme of Islamic funerals better than most flowers do, which is why it is a popular choice at funerals that are accepting of flowers and plants.
Different types of greenery are also quite easy to find, and you could even grow your own if you have knowledge of plant nutrition instead of buying them. Either way, various types of greenery like palm branches, green leaves, or other types of greenery.
Keep it Simple
No matter what kind of flowers you decide to give, it is best to keep things as simple as possible. Muslim and Islamic funerals are generally quite modest and focused on simplicity, so delivering a huge bouquet or a large floral arrangement might be a little bit too much. Steer clear of anything that is too over-the-top or extravagant.
Of course, if you want to make sure you are making the appropriate flower choice, be sure to ask the family what they are okay with in regard to flowers. There is no harm in asking what sorts of flowers they would prefer to have there.
Also, ask whether flowers are even acceptable at all. Every family is different, so don’t simply expect it to be okay because they were okay at a previous funeral you attended. Some might be okay with it as a kind gesture, while others might prefer something a little different be done to offer condolences.
Other Options Instead of Flowers
While flowers can still be a part of an Islamic funeral at times, they won’t always be appropriate. In many cases, there are better sympathy gifts you can give and gestures you can make that will be better. These are some of the other options for you to consider.
Donate to Charity
One of the best ways to offer condolences at Islamic funerals is to make charitable donations in memory of the individual who has passed on. These donations can be to religious projects, organizations, or other individuals who could use assistance. The motives for the donation should be pure, and it not only helps to remember the deceased individual but also helps people who need it.
In general, it is best to ask the family what kind of organization they would like to see donations given to, or you can give to something that you know is important to the individual who passed away.
Food Baskets
Another great choice is to offer up a basket of food or beverages as a gift. They are generally always appropriate and are perfect for the three-day mourning period that follows the burial. You will make life a lot easier for the family by providing some meals, and they will be very happy to receive your gift.
It is a great way to show you care, but you need to be sure that the food that is included (and how it was cooked) is done according to the dietary rules and restrictions that Muslims abide by.
Sympathy Cards or Notes
Just like many other types of funerals, sympathy cards and notes are a great way to offer your condolences in an appropriate way at an Islamic funeral. Offering your sympathies in person is great, but giving the family a card that they can look back on and read again and again can be a kind act and be quite meaningful to everyone.
This should be hand-written and personalized as much as possible. As for what you write in the sympathy card, that is completely up to you. You should make sure your words are kind, and that you have nice things to say about the departed.
Keep it short, and make sure you let the family know that you are always there for them during their time of need. Also, it couldn’t hurt to offer up a special memory or story about the individual who passed on, too. Be understanding about the loss, and make an effort to be as compassionate as possible during these difficult situations.
Also, while gifts can often be appreciated, they will hardly ever be required. Many Muslim and Islamic families are primarily focused on the simple things, and do not want people coming to the funeral to spend their hard-earned money on gifts in many cases. Simply being there and remembering the deceased, sharing happy stories, and being there for the family is often enough to show your sympathy.
We hope that this article has helped you learn a little more about the types of flowers that are appropriate at an Islamic funeral, and other options that can be given instead of flowers. It is always better to be safe than sorry in these situations, so it can never hurt to ask the family what they would prefer.
