LONDON – Hundreds of Muslims in Ilford, London, have flocked to participate in a funeral for a woman who reverted to Islam ten hours only before passing away.

“My mother’s Janaza/funeral is confirmed 19th Feb 11am. 57 Elmbridge road hainault, ilford IG6 3SW. Jummah will be also performed also on site,” a message from her son was posted on several social media websites, ilmfeed.com reported.

Her two sons, themselves reverts to Islam, asked the Muslim community to attend their mother’s funeral as they didn’t have Muslims in the family to invite.

“Please please come!!! As we are a revert family and don’t know a lot of Muslims to invite. I would like to have a large jammat for mum,” the message reads.

“She reverted 10 hrs before her death alhamdulillah.”

The Muslim community responded and turned out in their numbers with an estimated 700-800 people attending the funeral held last February 19.

“Alhamdulilah we just prayed the janazah for the revert sister. There’s been a very good turnout from the community,” a British Muslim, who took part in the funeral, posted on Twitter.

“May Allah accept our sister and grant her the loftiest stations in paradise,” he added.

Seeing the huge turnout, the family said they were overwhelmed by the support offered by the Muslim community.

Islam calls for respecting human beings whether alive or dead.

A Muslim’s dead body should be immediately taken to a mortuary for washing and preparation.

Two or three adult Muslims should wash the body and then put on the shroud (kafan). Before the burial, the funeral prayer should be done.

The burial should be done as soon as possible. It is makruh (reprehensible) to delay the burial of the dead.