How to request an Arabic-speaking imam for washing and funeral prayer in the eastern German states

Your guide to organizing an Islamic funeral when there is no nearby mosque

In the eastern German federal states such as Saxony (Sachsen), Saxony-Anhalt (Sachsen-Anhalt), and Thuringia (Thüringen), Muslim families often face major challenges when a loved one passes away – especially in areas where there is no nearby mosque or Arabic-speaking imam. In some smaller towns, the lack of sufficient Islamic infrastructure means that organizing the ritual washing (ghusl) and the Islamic funeral prayer (Salat al-Janazah) becomes a task that requires careful planning and early coordination.

Who is allowed to perform the ritual washing and the funeral prayer?

According to Islamic law (Sharia):

• The ritual washing (ghusl) should, whenever possible, be performed by an adult Muslim of the same gender as the deceased.

• It is recommended that an imam, or at least a person well-versed in Islamic rulings, leads the washing and the funeral prayer.

• It is not a requirement that the imam be officially employed by a mosque; it is sufficient that he is knowledgeable in religious matters and fluent in Arabic, so that he can understand the deceased’s will and the wishes of the family.

Steps to request an Arabic-speaking imam in eastern Germany

1. Contact the nearest Islamic centers

Despite the limited number of mosques, there are active Islamic centers that can send an imam upon request, for example:

• Islamisches Kulturzentrum Leipzig e.V. (Leipzig)

• DITIB Dresden (Dresden)

• Islamisches Zentrum Halle e.V.

• Islamisches Zentrum Erfurt

Identify the nearest major city in your federal state and contact its Islamic center by phone or email.

2. Request an imam from Berlin or Leipzig to travel to the funeral location

In some cases, it is possible to cover the imam’s travel costs if:

• the distance is reasonable (less than about 3 hours),

• a car is available, either from the deceased’s relatives or from the funeral home,

• arrangements with the mosque are made in advance (preferably 24–48 hours before).

Some mosques keep lists of “external collaborators” or volunteers who can carry out these tasks in return for a modest fee.

3. Cooperate with an Islamic funeral company

There are Islamic funeral services operating in eastern Germany, including:

• Al-Janazah Service Berlin

• Muslimischer Bestattungsdienst Dresden

These companies can coordinate with Arabic-speaking imams upon request and provide facilities for ritual washing, as well as the coffin, transport, and an Islamic burial certificate (Halal-Beisetzung).

4. Request a remote imam in emergency situations

If it is impossible for an imam to attend in person, you can:

• arrange a video call during the washing so that the family can receive step-by-step religious guidance,

• ask for the text of the funeral prayer in Arabic and German so that a close relative of the deceased can lead the prayer,

• read out the deceased’s final wishes in his or her own language during the funeral procession.

Are you legally allowed to bring in an external imam?

Yes, provided that:

• his access to the mortuary or washing facility is authorized by the hospital administration or the funeral company,

• he complies fully with hygiene and safety regulations,

• his details (name and contact information) are shared with the local authorities if requested as part of the funeral documentation.

What does it cost to bring an Arabic-speaking imam?

In some cases, these costs can be reduced or waived – for example when the family has a very low income or receives support from local associations (such as a Janaza fund or Syrian/Yemeni community organizations).

Conclusion

Despite the scarcity of mosques in eastern Germany, there are still workable options for arranging an Arabic-speaking imam to perform the ritual washing and the funeral prayer. The key is to contact the nearest Islamic centers or specialized Islamic funeral services as early as possible and to explain your situation honestly and respectfully. In extreme cases, the religious duties can also be carried out by a family member, under the guidance of an imam who supports remotely.

The editorial team and authors of the website make every effort to provide accurate information by conducting thorough research and consulting multiple sources when writing articles. Nevertheless, errors may occur or information may be incomplete or not fully verified. Therefore, please treat the information in the articles as a first point of reference and always contact the competent authorities to obtain definitive and officially confirmed information.