Are there any special customs around mourning?

Loved ones and relatives are to observe up to 3-days mourning period. Death is the normal part of living another form of existence in the hereafter. Muslims are discouraged to wail or cry in a very loud way or carry out other means of expressing their displeasure with acts of God. It is encouraged to get back to normal routines as quickly as possible.

Mourning is observed in Islam by increased devotion, receiving visitors and condolences, and avoiding decorative clothing and jewelry. Widows observe an extended mourning period (iddah), 4 months and 10 days long, in accordance with the Qur’an (Ch. 2:235). During this time, she is not to remarry, move from her home, or wear decorative clothing or jewelry.

When one dies, everything in this earthly life is left behind, and there are no more opportunities to perform acts of righteousness and faith. The Prophet Muhammad^(sa) once said that there are three things, however, which may continue to benefit a person after death: charity given during life which continues to help others, knowledge from which people continue to benefit, and a righteous child who prays for him or her.