Buhari: Why Do Muslims Bury Their Dead So Quickly?

President Bola Tinubu and other former Nigerian leaders are gathering today in Daura, Katsina State, to bid farewell to former President Muhammadu Buhari. His body, flown in from London just hours after his death, is being buried today according to Islamic tradition quickly and without delay.

To many Nigerians watching this unfold, it might seem sudden. But for Muslims, this speed is deeply intentional and rooted in faith. So, why exactly do Muslims bury their dead so quickly?

To muslims death is not the end, it’s the beginning

In Islam, death is seen not as a final stop, but as the start of a new journey for the soul. The belief is that the sooner the body is laid to rest, the sooner the soul begins its transition to the afterlife.

According to a Hadith (a recorded saying of Prophet Muhammad, peace be upon him), the Prophet said:

“Hasten with the funeral, for if it is righteous, you are taking it toward something good; and if it is otherwise, you are removing evil from your shoulders.”

This spiritual instruction guides the practice across the Muslim world, including Nigeria. Once death is confirmed, there’s no waiting for days or elaborate planning. Everything is done swiftly out of respect for both the body and the soul.

Process marked by dignity and simplicity

When a Muslim dies, the burial process begins almost immediately. Family members or members of the Muslim community carry out a ritual washing of the body, called Ghusl. 

The body is then wrapped in a simple white cloth, known as Kafan, no suit, no jewelry, no makeup.

A short funeral prayer (Salat al-Janazah) is held, usually at a mosque or open ground. The body is then buried directly in the earth, positioned to face the holy city of Mecca.

There are no expensive caskets, no public display, and no long ceremonies. It’s all done with a focus on humility, cleanliness, and submission to God’s will.

Why the Hurry?

Aside from the religious directive, there are also practical and emotional reasons why Muslims bury their dead quickly:

Climate and Health: In hot regions like Nigeria, the body can begin to decompose within hours. Islam emphasizes hygiene and cleanliness, and burying the dead quickly helps prevent health risks and emotional distress for the family.

No Need for Delay: Islam discourages postponing burial to wait for distant family members. Anyone unable to attend can still pray from wherever they are. The focus is on the deceased, not the guests.

Respect for the Body: Islam sees the body as a vessel that should be treated with dignity even after death. Letting it lie in wait, applying cosmetics, or transporting it unnecessarily is viewed as a disturbance.

What about mourning?

Muslims mourn, but in a quiet and humble way. The general mourning period is three days, during which family and friends visit to offer condolences and prayers. 

Loud wailing, dramatic displays of sorrow, or prolonged ceremonies are discouraged.

For widows, there’s a longer mourning period, iddah lasting four months and ten days, observed mostly in solitude and reflection.

The idea is not to ignore grief, but to honour it in a modest, prayerful way.

Death is a farewell not a show

For non-Muslims who are used to longer and more dramatic funeral rites, Islamic burials can seem rushed. 

But in reality, they are guided by deep spiritual principles. It’s not about speed, it’s about obedience to God, preserving the dignity of the body, and helping the soul begin its next chapter without delay.

As Nigeria watches Buhari’s final journey today, it’s a moment to understand a key part of Muslim life and death. Quick burial is not a sign of less grief. It is, in fact, a sign of deep faith.