About Zai
Zainab Ash Shughra's Role as an Embalmer is
Not a Dirty Job
Many question whether working as an embalmer is permissible in Islam. This is a question that Ms. Zainab Ash Shughra often has to answer whenever she shares about the embalming process in her mosque lectures.
She uses such opportunities to explain her intention in choosing this job and the circumstances under which embalming needs to be done for a Muslim deceased.
According to Ms. Zainab, she wants to help in the process of repatriating the bodies of foreign workers and Muslim tourists who passed away in Singapore.
Zai Embalmer also operates International Repatriation F, a registered company in Singapore.
Since 2018
7
Years of
Practicing
Before being flown back, the body must be embalmed. This is an international flight regulation. If we say embalming is haram, how do we bury the bodies of foreign workers?
Ms. Zainab actually started as a “tukang mandi jenazah” (someone who washes the bodies of those who have passed as part of the funeral rites) with an Islamic funeral management company since 2018.
One of her friends suggested that Ms. Zainab take a course in embalming because there were no female Muslim embalmers at that time.
“I was already used to washing and shrouding bodies. But embalming is a different matter. It’s not easy, inserting formalin (a chemical used for embalming), you have to find a large vein. I have to cut the body,” said Ms. Zainab.
However, she changed her mind after realizing that there were no female Muslim embalmers in Singapore.
She felt the need to take on this responsibility.
Sympathizing modesty and dignity...
"I feel there is a trust on my shoulders. If a Muslim woman dies in Singapore, whether from Malaysia, Brunei, or Dubai and needs to be flown back, imagine if there were no female Muslim embalmers. I sympathize with the modesty and dignity of the deceased," explained Ms. Zainab.
She took a course in embalming at a training center in Manila, Philippines.
After that, she had to undergo practical training with an experienced embalmer in Singapore at several mortuaries.
She had to handle 25 bodies before being certified by the National Environment Agency (NEA).
According to Ms. Zainab, she is often asked the same question.
“The first thing they will ask is, ‘You are a Muslim, right?’ Because they know that Muslims do not embalm bodies,” revealed Ms. Zainab.
However, Ms. Zainab was well received because other non-Muslim mortuary operators found it easier if a Muslim body was handled by a Muslim.
Currently, she is the only female Muslim embalmer in Singapore.
Contact Us
Let us ease the burden during this difficult time. Contact Zai Embalmer Services today for compassionate and reliable care.
We are here to guide you every step of the way, ensuring that your loved one receives the honor and care they deserve.
International Repatriation F, a registered company in Singapore, is led by Zai Embalmer
CONTACT US
