Stay calm. We will guide you through every step.
The exact process depends on where and how death occurred. Please contact us as soon as possible — our team is available 24 hours a day.
The first moments
Recite istirjā’ and take a breath
إِنَّا لِلَّٰهِ وَإِنَّا إِلَيْهِ رَاجِعُونَ
“Indeed we belong to Allah, and indeed to Him we will return.” (Surah al-Baqarah 2:156)
Death is confirmed when breathing has completely stopped and no pulse can be detected. Other signs include no response when called, dilated pupils that do not react to light, and pale or bluish skin.
If someone may still be alive, call 995 immediately. If a death has just occurred, call us and we will guide you. Please do not rely on the website form for urgent cases.
Four duties of fardu kifayah
Caring for the deceased is a communal obligation. We help your family fulfil all four:
- Bathing the deceased
- Shrouding (kafan)
- Solat Jenazah
- Burial
Four situations
Where did the death occur?
At home (illness or old age)
- There is no need to call the police — they cannot issue the death certificate.
- Contact a doctor to certify the death. We can help arrange a 24-hour home doctor (separate fee).
- After the doctor issues the Certificate of Cause of Death (CCOD), download the Digital Death Certificate through MyLegacy.
- Contact As-Salam. We arrange collection, bathing, shrouding, Solat Jenazah, transport and the burial permit.
In a hospital
- The hospital doctor certifies the time of death, issues the CCOD (for natural causes) and submits the report online.
- The family is told how to download the Digital Death Certificate.
- The deceased is usually moved to the hospital mortuary while arrangements are made.
- Share the hospital and ward details with us — we coordinate collection and the funeral.
Sudden death (Mortuary@HSA, SGH Block 9)
- Uncertified or unusual deaths are usually taken to Block 9 for investigation. Release is often delayed until at least the next day.
- Release time depends on the appointment given by the Investigating Officer (IO) or hospital.
- Operating hours: Mon–Fri 8.00 am – 4.30 pm; Sat, Sun & public holidays 8.00 am – 12.30 pm.
- Be prepared to wait several hours, even with an appointment. Confirm the funeral schedule only once release is known.
Overseas or repatriation
- Register the death with local authorities and obtain a death certificate (with an English translation if needed).
- Contact MFA or the nearest Singapore Overseas Mission for help with registration and repatriation.
- On return, report the death to the Registry of Births & Deaths (ICA).
- We coordinate documents, airline and cargo, liaison with overseas providers, and the local burial. Separate quotation.
Family to-do list
Decisions that help everything run smoothly
- Appoint one main liaisonOne immediate family member gives all instructions and is the only contact with the funeral team.
- Where the deceased goesIf the death is in hospital, decide where to bring the deceased.
- Where to bathe and prayAt home, Pusara Aman (subject to availability) or the NEA Burial Preparation Facility.
- Bus arrangementConfirm the pick-up point, destination and whether return transport is needed.
- Who will helpChoose who will bathe the deceased (maximum 5) and who will lower the deceased into the grave (maximum 3).
Where the jenazah can be managed if the home is too small: Pusara Aman mosque or the NEA Burial Preparation Facility.
Miscarriage, foetus, infant loss and body parts
Losing a child at any stage is deeply painful. We support parents gently and privately with religious guidance according to the stage of pregnancy, washing and shrouding where applicable, burial arrangements, documentation guidance and emotional and spiritual support. We also manage the burial of body parts.
Burial timing
Same-day burial depends on the time of death, documentation, release, cemetery availability and operational conditions.
- A practical same-day cut-off may be around 2.30 pm.
- Next-day operations generally begin from 8.00 am.
These are guides, not guarantees. Weather (including lightning warnings at the cemetery), police investigations and mortuary release can cause delays.
Need help now?
Our team is available 24 hours a day. Call or WhatsApp and we will guide you step by step.