According to Islamic burial rituals, when a Muslim dies, the body must be bathed, enshrouded and buried perpendicular to the direction of the Qibla without a coffin.

However, special protocols have been introduced for the burial of people either suspected of or confirmed as having been infected with COVID-19. The body must be wrapped in plastic, put inside a coffin, wrapped in another layer of plastic and interred less than four hours after death.

In catering to both requirements, Dr. Soekardjo Hospital in Tasikmalaya, West Java, has initiated the production of coffins for Muslim COVID-19 victims. (JP/Donny Fernando)

(JP/I Gede Dharma JS, Yuliasri Perdani, Vela Andapita)