Key points for burying the deceased

These points are taken from the Jurisprudence of Islam lessons in the Howzah Mahdawiyyah

1. Washing
2. Tahneet (use of fragrances like frankincense)
3. Takfeen (burial shroud)
4. Prayers on deceased
5. Burial

In this answer we focus on section 5:

Obligations

Burying in the earth: must cover the body totally

Burial at sea: body is put into the sea, either weighted or just covered in a vessel like barrel

Body should be placed on the right side facing the qiblah in the case of a Muslim or with their back to the qiblah in the case of a non Muslim woman who was impregnated by a Muslim.

 

Sunnah

Digging the grave deep enough that is as tall as the deceased, or at least, up to their collarbone

Arranging a grave that is aligned to the qiblah which wide enough that they could hypothetically sit

Open the knots of the burial shrouds on the side of the head and feet

To place some soil from the burial place of Imam Husain (as)

To encourage the deceased to give the testimonies and to pray for them

To come out of the grave from the side of the feet

For those present to put soil on the deceased with their palms saying Inna lillahi wa inna ilaihi rajioon (We are for God and to Him we return)

To raise the grave to the length of four fingers

To have four sides

To pour some water on it from the side of the head

To put one’s hand on the grave and show mercy on the deceased

To encourage the guardian / successor after people have left him

 

Mustahabb

It is encouraged (mustahabb) to lament the passing of the deceased

 

Undesirable

To put weapons in the grave, unless it is necessary

For people of kin to put soil on the deceased relative

To adorn the grave or to renew it

To bury two deceased individuals in the same grave

To transfer the deceased from one city to another city, unless it is to one of the Islamic ritual sites

For one to lean against or walk over a grave

Reference: شرائع الإسلام كل الأجزاء