Title: How to Pay Respects for a Death in the Family Question: My neighbor who is Muslim lost his daughter in a car accident. I would like to pay my respects (i.e. attend a funeral service, drop by the house etc) but am not sure how or even if it is appropriate for me to do so. There is nothing in the local paper's obituaries with any information. Could you please advise me on how I can offer condolences? Answer: It is quite kind and honorable of you to pay your respects to any person of any faith. It is a beautiful and commendable attribute in one's character. The funeral services in Islam are purely religious and may, for some, be too personal to share with non-relatives. The rites of the funeral include bathing the body of the deceased for physical purification and spiritual preparation for the person to meet their Creator. [1] The corpse is then shrouded in a simple cloth and is prayed over. Your role to pay your respects to the family and bid farewell to the deceased can be through several methods. You may say a few simple words that express your condolences or send a card with your thoughts on it. Or you may choose to send flowers or a gift. Simply, anything that you feel befitting the circumstance should be appreciated. As a matter of fact, the very thought of such an act is praiseworthy. Thus anything that you do to show your concern is acceptable. May God bless you for having such a positive and altruistic attitude. I hope I have clarified the issue. God knows best. Ronnie Hassan January 23, 2007 [1] Bathing the Corpse