Burial Practices of the Tausug

Burial Practices of the Tausug

Long before the Sultanate was established in 1450, Islam had already been introduced in Sulu. 

That is to say, the burial practices of the Tausug are done in accordance with the teachings of Islam. However, some local traditions are also observed.

      There are four obligatory procedures upon which the dead body must undergo.

1) First, Sutchihun or cleansing of the corpse. The body is cleansed of all impurities, bathed thoroughly and then given the final Islamic ablution called Wudu before being wrapped. 

2) Second is Saputun or wrapping. A cloth large enough to cover the entire body is used to wrap the body. Normally white, 3 pieces of cloth are used for males and 5 pieces of cloth for females. Again, each must be large enough to cover the body several times as specified for each gender. 

3) Third process is Sambahayangun or praying for the deceased. It is usually referred to a Salatul Janazah or Janazah Prayer. It is offered facing the west or more accurately, the Qibla, the direction of the Ka’bah. Unlike the other prayers in Islam, the Janazah Prayer is said while standing only. The body of the deceased is placed in front of the leader of the prayer or the Imam while those who join follows behind in a row. 

4)      The last process is Hikubul, the burying of the body. Gently lowering the body, it is laid in a crevice or a paliyangan that’s about two feet wide and facing the Qibla. The paliyangan is then sealed with what is called the ding ding hali, which literally means the “wall of rest”. Then the grave is covered. Everyone around throws at least three handfuls of soil as a sign of help and acceptance.

The grave is about 6 feet deep. It is obligatory that a body must be buried within 24 hours after a person dies.

After the burial follows the Tausug’s traditional practices namely;

1)      The hinang tu (3^rd day prayer)

2)      The hinang pitu (7^th day prayer)

3)      The hinang kawhaan (20^th day prayer)

4)      The hinang ka’patan (40^th day prayer)

5)      The hinang ghatus (100^th day prayer)

6)      The Kamattiyan (Year’s Anniversary). 

In these prayers, people read the Qur’an and recite Duwaas, or supplications in congregation. After each prayer is over, people partake in the feasts of traditional food.