Just as his life had been a flashpoint of contention, Osama bin Laden’s death has incited fresh disputes about whether his burial at sea was done in accordance with Islamic law. Critics, from Islamic scholars to 9/11 survivors, have censured the Obama administration’s decision to swiftly bury Mr. bin Laden's body at sea.

The White House insisted Monday that the burial was performed with respect to Islamic custom and that the administration had consulted with Islamic experts and decided beforehand how to handle bin Laden’s body.

Here’s a closer look at Islamic burial practices and whether bin Laden’s body was handled in accordance with Islamic law.