Funeral Service Donation

Repatriation of the deceased - Can it ever be justified?

On the death of a family member or friend we endeavour to do what we think is the best for the deceased. This includes ensuring that they have a suitable funeral and fulfilling their last wishes. However at the time of grief and stress we often make decisions that are not in line with the teachings of Islam due to misunderstanding and ignorance. One such decision which often causes confusion and family conflicts is whether the deceased should be repatriated for burial.

What is repatriation?

Repatriation is the return of the deceased’s body to the country of origin for burial. This may be performed for several reasons; the next of kin may feel that it was the deceased wishes, family members living abroad may want to participate in the funeral, there may be cultural beliefs or the deceased had expressed a wish to be buried abroad prior to their death.

Often on making this important decision we do not understand the process of repatriation and the consequences of the decision made.

Most countries will ask for additional documents which will lead to a delay in the funeral process.

Embalming

There is a legal requirement for the deceased to be embalmed before they can be transported overseas. During this process, the natural fluids of the body, including the blood, are replaced with a chemical solution of preservatives to slow down the effects of natural deterioration and decomposition.

The invasive nature of the embalming process involves the following steps:

  • The body is first washed in a strong disinfectant solution
  • Eyes are closed using glue or plastic eye caps that sit on the eye and hold the eyelid in place and the lower jaw is secured by wires or sewing.
  • An incision is made near the right collarbone from where the embalmer cuts the internal jugular vein
  • Tubes are placed in the vein so the blood can be drained out and discarded
  • The tube is then connected to a pump and the embalming fluid is pushed through the vessels under high pressure forcing the remaining blood out
  • As the fluid is being pumped into the blood vessels, the embalmer vigorously massages the whole body to help drain the blood and distribute the embalming fluid
  • The skin and muscular tissue will begin to firm and take on a different appearance. The tubes are then removed, the vein and artery tied off and the incision is sutured (using stitches).
  • Next, the body internal cavities are treated using a trocar, a metal tube with a sharp pointed tip, which is used to puncture through the skin and into each of the body cavities and organ to remove excess fluid and gas.
  • All the fluid is suctioned from the hollow organs using the trocar, then a high-index (very strong plastic-like) substance is placed into the cavities to give shape

Embalming fluid is a mixture of formaldehyde, a strong tissue preservative and disinfectant, alcohol in the form of methanol, propanediol, a compound similar to antifreeze and water.

 The embalmer is not a physician or a surgeon and the deceased undergoes an undignified process of being naked,  being handled by an embalmer, vigorously massaged and turned over to push the blood out and distribute the preserving fluid.

A dead body is transferred within the cargo hold of a plane with the rest of the luggage, within a specially sealed coffin and is subjected too much movement during the journey

South London Islamic Centre does not provide or assist with repatriation of the body. We strongly urge you to discuss with the local Imam first if you are planning to bury the deceased abroad.

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