How to Write a Muslim Death Announcement
A guide from Cherished Book, where families make a memorial together.
A Muslim death announcement is usually short and sent quickly, because the Janazah prayer and burial follow soon after a death. This guide gives the words many families use, what to include, and example announcements in English you can adapt.
The words that come first
Muslims say Inna lillahi wa inna ilayhi raji'un on hearing of a death: "Indeed, to Allah we belong, and to Him we return" (Qur'an 2:156). Most Islamic death announcements open with it, in Arabic, in transliteration, or both. It tells the reader at once how the family understands the loss, before any other detail.
The rest of the announcement is modest and practical. Islamic tradition asks for restraint in praise, so a death announcement rarely says much about their achievements. It says who they were to the family, asks for Dua, and tells people where to be.
What to include
Keep it short. People will read it on their phones, often within an hour of it being sent.
- Inna lillahi wa inna ilayhi raji'un, and its meaning if non-Muslim friends will read it.
- Their full name, and who they were to the family: father of, daughter of, wife of.
- The time and place of the Janazah prayer, and the mosque's address.
- Where the burial will be, and whether everyone is welcome at the graveside.
- Where and when the family will receive visitors to offer condolences.
- A request to remember them in your duas.
Muslim death announcement examples
Adapt the wording to your family. Replace the words in brackets.
“Inna lillahi wa inna ilayhi raji'un. With great sadness we announce that [name], [father of …], has returned to Allah. The Janazah prayer will be held at [mosque] after [Zuhr] on [day], followed by burial at [cemetery]. Please remember him in your duas.”
“Inna lillahi wa inna ilayhi raji'un. To Allah we belong, and to Him we return. Our beloved [mother], [name], died peacefully this morning. Janazah details will follow shortly, in sha Allah. May Allah have mercy on her and grant her Jannah.”
“It is with deep sorrow that we share the death of [name]. Inna lillahi wa inna ilayhi raji'un. The family will receive visitors at [address] from [time]. We ask everyone to forgive any wrong he may have done, and to pray for him.”
Things to take care with
- Excessive praise. — Islamic tradition cautions against flattering the dead. Plain, sincere words are more fitting than a list of achievements.
- Promising details too early. — Janazah times are often set at short notice. Say "details will follow" rather than guessing a time you may have to correct.
- Assuming one custom. — Practice varies by family, culture and school of thought, including whether women attend the burial. Follow the family's wishes.
If a blank page is too much
Tell us their name and a few facts, and Cherished Book drafts a short, modest announcement in the Islamic tradition that you can change. If you would rather write it yourself, there is starter text that opens with Inna lillahi wa inna ilayhi raji'un. With Premium, the memorial can also hold the Janazah as an event, so people find the time and place in one link and the family can update it.
Help with the words
Answer a few questions and we'll draft a first version you can change. Then family and friends can add their own memories to it. Free to start.
Help me write itFrequently asked questions
What do you write when a Muslim dies?
Most announcements open with "Inna lillahi wa inna ilayhi raji'un", "To Allah we belong, and to Him we return", then give their name, the Janazah prayer and the burial, and ask people to pray for them.
How quickly should a Muslim death announcement go out?
As soon as the family can manage it. Burial usually takes place quickly, often within a day, so people need the Janazah time and place early. A first message can say details will follow within hours.
Can I post a photo with the announcement?
Families differ. Some share a photo from life, and some prefer none at all. Follow the wishes of the immediate family, and their scholar if they ask one.
Is it right to share a Muslim death announcement in English?
Yes. Many families write in English with the Arabic phrases kept, or share it in English and another language the family speaks, such as Urdu, Arabic, Bengali or Somali.
Last reviewed October 2026.
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