What do you know about Arabic and/or Islamic customs about death and dying? (convert, prayer)

[tcrackly]

I have essay to complete for my Certified Nursing Assistant program. I want to research the health care practices, customs, and beliefs of an Islamic culture as they pertain to death and dying. I have had a little introduction through extended family that are Muslim converts. All I currently know is that close family and/or friends prepare the body for burial and that clothing, casket and funeral of the deceased emphasize humility.
Can any posters out there tell me more detailed feelings, teachings, customs about prepareing for the end of life?
My DH's family also has Lebanese Christian connections. That perspective would be welcome as well. I hope to not only fulfill a course requirement but enlighten myself to a frequently misunderstood religion.

[elwill]

Upon death, those with the deceased are encouraged to remain calm, pray for the departed, and begin preparations for burial. The eyes of the deceased should be closed, and the body covered temporarily with a clean sheet. It is forbidden for those in mourning to excessively wail, scream, or thrash about. Grief is normal when one has lost a loved one, and it is natural and permitted to cry.
When the Prophet Muhammad's own son died, he said: "The eyes shed tears and the heart is grieved, but we will not say anything except which pleases our Lord."
One should strive to be patient, and remember that Allah is the One who gives life and takes it away, at a time appointed by Him. It is not for us to question His wisdom.
Muslims strive to bury the deceased as soon as possible after death, avoiding the need for embalming or otherwise disturbing the body of the deceased. An autopsy may be performed, if necessary, but should be done with the utmost respect for the dead.
Washing and Shrouding

In preparation for burial, the family or other members of the community will wash and shroud the body. (If the deceased was killed as a martyr, this step is not performed; martyrs are buried in the clothes they died in.) The deceased will be washed respectfully, with clean and scented water, in a manner similar to how Muslims make ablutions for prayer. The body will then be wrapped in sheets of clean, white cloth (called the kafan).


if you wanna details , so try this site
Authentic Step by Step Illustrated Janazah Guide

[tcrackly]

Thank you, elwill. I will check out that site. right now I am in information gathering mode. I got a brief explanation to some Islamic burial preparation rites when good friends of my deceased brother wanted to prepare his body out of respect and love for him. I was deeply touched.