Quick burial of the deceased

[anonymous]

Not really advice but I wanted to know a couple things about Islamic funerals.

1. What is the significance, Islamically, of burying the dead asap

2. I was reading that Muslims should be buried in the place they passed away. I’ve seen lots of people transport bodies of their family members over seas (US to Middle East) as that is where they’re from or they have land there. This happened to my grandfather when I was a kid. Is there anything wrong with doing that? If I remember correctly, Islam states that you will be in the company of those that are buried near you, so wouldn’t it be better to be buried in a place where family is? Around here, I don’t know of any Islamic graveyards and it’s something I’ve been thinking about for me and my family.

[moinudin]

Asalaam alaikum

1. Abu Hurayrah narrates that the Prophet (Peace and Salutations be upon him) said: “Hasten with the Janaza. If it was a righteous person, then you are forwarding it to its bliss, and if it was other than that (not righteous), then you will remove this burden from your necks.” [Reported by al-Bukhari (volume 2, hadith 401) and Muslim (volume 2, hadith 2059)].

2. As result of 1, it is disliked to transport the body to another country. So I would recommend against it. I don't know what ruling would apply if you can't find a Muslim graveyard. Can you find a local mosque and ask an Imam?