Learning About Life and Death: 7th Grade Janazah Workshop

By : Saara Rahman 

The 7th-grade classes recently went on a very special and meaningful field trip that incorporated learning, reflection, and fun. On November 11th, 2025, students visited  the Ar-Rahmah cemetery to attend a workshop on Janazah, where they learned about Islamic burial traditions, body washing, and the importance of respectfully laying the deceased to rest.
The workshop was conducted by Islamic Studies teachers Brother Omar and Brother Omaier. 

Brother Omar began with sharing the history of Ar-Rahmah Cemetery.
“Brother Omar told us that the Muslim community in Memphis were trying to get permission from the government to build their own cemetery. However, the local lawmakers did not permit the Muslims to build it, so they decided to build a small masjid, because Tennessee law allows people to be buried on private property if local zoning laws are met.” - Nuraz Rahman, 7th grade

Brother Omar and Brother Omaier explained the Islamic burial process, using examples of how bodies are wrapped after death to help students visualize the proper procedure. Students were also shown where and how bodies are washed before death. 
"One of the most moving moments was when students saw the baby graves. It was a reminder of how fragile life is." - Ustadh Omaier
As the Prophet Muhammad, peace be upon him, advised “Remember death frequently,” the experience encouraged students to reflect on death and its proximity everyday.
After the workshop, the 7th graders headed to Shelby Farms for lunch. Brother Omar grilled burgers for everyone, and students enjoyed the rest of the time playing volleyball together in the park. The day balanced serious reflection with fun, making the field trip both educational and memorable.
To conclude the field trip, students wrote reflection essays on what they learned. 
One student wrote:
“During our time at Ar-Rahmah Cemetery, my class and I had the valuable opportunity to learn about the Islamic burial process and the soul’s journey after death. In Islam, the burial process is important. Specifically, when a Muslim dies, there is a Fardh Kifayah (Communal Obligation) placed upon us. This means that as long as a sufficient number of people pray the Janazah prayer, the rest of the community is not held accountable. We also had the chance to go into detail about how the body is wrapped and placed in the grave. Afterwards, we also got to have a little fun at Shelby Farms Park.”