Muslim Views on Death
It is important to keep in mind that the following information may not apply to all Bosnian people; some refugees are not Muslims or have adopted different customs.

· When treating a Bosnian refugee, one should be aware that many Bosnians have suffered from war injuries.

· Muslims find it unacceptable to prolong one’s life by machinery unless it is obvious that the individual will be able to lead a satisfactory life.

· An  individual must confess his or her sins before death, with the family present.

· Death is not the end, it is an opening to a higher form of life. If a person is unable to die at home, it is typical that many visitors will come to the hospital. Holy water will be given to the individual, while reading the Quar’an when he or she is close to death. Preceding death, the family will wash the body and position the body towards Mecca. Although in the health care facility it is adequate to turn the person’s face to the right.

· Clothes of the deceased are to be removed by the members of the same sex, and then the body is to be covered by a sheet. Only relatives and friends may touch the body

· Burial is required and cremation is not permitted. The delay of an autopsy may upset the family, because the longer the body is left without burial the more chance the body has for physical harm..

· Females are discouraged from attending burials, and members of the immediate family may fast until the funeral, showing respect to the deceased.

· Organ donation is considered acceptable..

. Blood and blood products are acceptable.

(MVRC)

Bosnian Muslim Remains in Coffins
Remains of 87 Bosnian Muslim victims buried in the Laniste 1 mass grave. Relatives return to identify the bodies although the clothes found in the grave are displayed for those unable to view the coffins.

    Most Bosnian refugees have lost family members and friends due to the war.  While in Bosnia, refugees did not attend many funerals, but did see many people die in front of their eyes.  Therefore, it is important to understand that their previous experiences have the ability to emotionally drain and change them.  Many refugees do not care to attend a funeral and see another friend, American or Bosnian, lying in a casket.   For example, recently a Bosnian school teacher entered the principal's office in tears.  She was apologizing for not having the strength to attend a fellow teacher's funeral the day before.  She explained that she simply could  not bear another funeral.  Many Bosnians, similar to this school teacher, are reluctant to attend such services, or take part in the processes surrounding another's death (interview with Ralph Leo Jr.).