Muslim Funeral Service of USA (MFSUSA )
By Dr Aslam Abdullah
CA
In the heart of every Muslim community in the United States, there is a quiet but profound need: the assurance that life’s most sacred rites will be honored with dignity, compassion, and care. This is the guiding purpose of Muslim Funeral Service of USA (MFSUSA)—to serve Muslim families in times of need, to ease the burdens of grief, and to uphold the traditions and values that bind our community together.
Becoming a member of MFSUSA is an invitation to join this circle of care. Membership is open to all Muslims in the USA who are 18 years or older. Joining is simple: fill out an online application through the MFSUSA website, submit a Pre-Authorization Form, and within 30 days, your membership will be active. This is more than a formality; it is a commitment to being part of a supportive community that stands together in life and in times of loss.
Membership includes a one-time registration fee, which can be paid online. The principal applicant contributes $125, while additional family members’ spouses and unmarried children pay $25 each. Parents living with the principal member may also join for $50 each, and married children must apply separately. Members are encouraged to keep their banking information up to date to avoid unnecessary charges, ensuring that every transaction supports the mission of MFSUSA smoothly.
The organization thrives because of shared responsibility. Each year, a small contribution from every principal member helps cover the operational costs of maintaining the website, processing fees, insurance, courier services, and other essential services. This shared support allows MFSUSA to remain sustainable, transparent, and ready to serve whenever needed. Each year, a professional accounting firm prepares a financial statement, providing members with a clear picture of how their contributions benefit the community.
The heart of MFSUSA’s mission is most visible when life takes its natural course. If a member passes away, whether in the USA or abroad, MFSUSA ensures that funeral services are conducted with respect, care, and adherence to Islamic traditions. Families can submit claims with supporting documents, and the organization will cover funeral service costs, casket and grave plot, and transportation to and from the mosque and cemetery—up to $10,000. Every step is designed to ease the burden on loved ones, while honoring the dignity of the deceased.
Membership is also about trust and shared values. If circumstances change, MFSUSA provides clear guidance on cancellations, ensuring that every decision is handled fairly. Members are reminded that joining is a pledge to uphold community principles, to respond to notices, and to remain engaged with the organization’s work. Past members who wish to return are always welcome, with a new registration ensuring their commitment to MFSUSA’s mission.
In essence, being part of MFSUSA is more than a membership; it is a partnership in a noble mission. It is a way to strengthen the bonds of community, to ensure that every Muslim receives dignified care at life’s most delicate moments, and to honor the faith and traditions we cherish. By joining, you become part of a legacy of compassion, support, and service—ensuring that no family stands alone when they need their community most.
How the Funeral Process Works
When a member passes away, the partnering Mosque steps in to assist the family with every stage of the funeral process. The Mosque’s representative arranges to collect the deceased from the place of passing—whether it is a hospital, retirement home, airport, or the individual’s residence—and transfers the body to the Mosque.
A close family member must provide two government-issued photo IDs of the deceased (driver’s license, passport, or citizenship card are acceptable). The family member is also responsible for completing the following forms with the help of Mosque volunteers:
Statement of Death (Form 15): Prepared by a Mosque volunteer and signed by a family member or close relative in the presence of a witness.
Family Questionnaire: Provided by the Mosque volunteer to capture essential information.
Burial Services and Cemetery Information Form: To record burial preferences and logistical details.
Throughout this process, volunteers guide the family, review the forms, and ensure everything is completed correctly.
Proof of Death and Death Certificate
Once the paperwork is in order, the Mosque issues a temporary Proof of Death Certificate. Families may use this document to address immediate legal matters such as bank accounts, insurance claims, or inheritance.
However, the next of kin must later apply for a legal Death Certificate from their local Municipal Office. To obtain it, two documents are required:
Medical Certificate of Death: Completed by the attending doctor or coroner, stating the cause of death.
Statement of Death (Form 15): Signed by the Mosque/Funeral Director and an informant (usually a family member), containing personal details of the deceased.
A legal Death Certificate may be required to settle an estate, process insurance claims, access or cancel government services (such as health cards, pensions, or voter registration), or conduct genealogical searches. Notably, the official death registration does not include the medical cause of death. Families may download the application form from the Municipal Office website.
What To Do Depending on the Place of Death
At Home: Call 911. A coroner will arrive, conduct an investigation, and issue a Medical Certificate of Death.
At a Hospital: The attending doctor will provide the Medical Certificate of Death (Form 16).
If an Autopsy is required, the body will be transported to the autopsy center. After completion, the family must notify their MFSUSA area coordinator, who will then coordinate with the Mosque to begin funeral and burial arrangements.
If no autopsy is needed, families should contact the area coordinator directly. The coordinator will reach out to the nearest partnering Mosque, which will handle the transfer of the body.
Funeral Preparation and Burial
Every partnering Mosque has a well-equipped mortuary to perform ghusl (the ritual final bath) and prepare the body for burial according to Islamic tradition. Families must double-check the details on the Death Certificate and request corrections if errors are found.
Family and Mosque Responsibilities
It is important to note that MFSUSA is not responsible for storing or managing the deceased’s paperwork. This responsibility lies with the family and the Mosque. The Mosque arranges the body pick-up, and timings may vary depending on local conditions.
The MFSUSA area coordinator, available 24/7, will request details such as the deceased’s pick-up address, family contact number, time, and place of death to facilitate the process.
For Further Assistance
For additional questions or concerns, families may contact:
Director, Member Affairs 📞 (408) 461-8002 ✉️ support@mfsusa.orgg
