What is the Islamic view on death and the afterlife, and what are the funeral rites for Muslims?

In Islam, death is seen as a natural part of life, and Muslims believe in an afterlife that begins immediately after a person dies. The Islamic view on death and the afterlife is based on the belief that human beings are created by Allah (God) and that the purpose of life is to worship and obey Allah. According to Islamic teachings, when a person dies, their soul is separated from their body and continues to live in the afterlife.

The afterlife in Islam consists of two main stages, Barzakh and the final abode. Barzakh is the intermediate stage between death and the Day of Judgment, during which the soul is in a state of waiting. The final abode is either Paradise or Hell, depending on the person's deeds in life and their level of faith in Allah. Muslims believe that on the Day of Judgment, every person will be judged by Allah and will be held accountable for their deeds.

Funeral rites in Islam are important and are based on the teachings of the Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him). The first step after a person's death is to perform the ritual washing of the body, known as Ghusl. The body is then wrapped in a white cloth and is taken to the mosque for funeral prayers, called Salat al-Janazah. The body is then taken to the cemetery and buried facing the Qibla (direction of the Kaaba in Mecca).