Muslim Moral Injury: Experiences of 'Funeral Poverty' in the UK

The inability to afford a funeral, known as ‘funeral poverty’ (FP), has been a growing problem in the UK. In a context of rising costs and systemic economic disadvantage, Muslims face unique challenges due to Islamic obligations around prompt burial and the prohibition of cremation. This study first systematically reviewed the literature on the impact of funeral costs on wellbeing. It found negative impacts across wellbeing domains, often compounded by cultural or societal expectations; support could both buffer negative effects and be its own source of distress. Ethical considerations were inconsistently reported, and researcher reflexivity was usually lacking. Subsequently, using Interpretative Phenomenological Analysis (IPA), this study examined the lived experiences of four UK Muslims who navigated FP, attending to potential moral injury (MI) in the process. Participants reported significant distress, exacerbated by institutional barriers, interpersonal conflict, and existing financial strain. Participants experienced MI, with perceived moral failures occurring at personal and systemic levels. MI was linked to the pressure to fulfil moral and religious duties under constrained circumstances, alongside the threat of non-burial. All participants were supported by an Islamic funeral charity to ultimately secure a burial, which provided relief, resolution, a sense of pride, and emboldened identity. Significant growth was also reported, despite the adversity participants faced. The findings point to a need for culturally competent, grief- and trauma-informed services. The study underscores how structural inequality underpins FP – responsibility cannot lie with charity provision. Clinically, recognising the psychological and moral impact of FP may inform more effective, faith-integrated support for Muslim service-users and potentially beyond.