Empowering Women through Funeral Rites Training: A Community-Based Approach to Addressing the Shortage of Female Religious Funeral Attendants in Sumbersari Village

Abstract

The limited availability of female religious funeral attendants (mudin perempuan) at the village level constitutes a significant concern, particularly because it affects the extent to which the funeral rites of deceased women are conducted in accordance with Islamic legal requirements. This study aims to identify the underlying factors contributing to the shortage of female mudin in Sumbersari Village and to develop an educational and training model grounded in Islamic principles. The study employs a qualitative approach based on participatory field observation. The findings indicate that the funeral rites of deceased women in Sumbersari Village have traditionally been handled exclusively by male mudin, a practice that raises concerns from the perspective of Islamic jurisprudence because it does not adequately uphold the principles of preserving the awrah and dignity of deceased women. These findings are consistent with evidence from community engagement programs showing that limited knowledge and practical skills among women in performing funeral rites remain significant obstacles to the effective fulfillment of fardhu kifayah. This study argues that the shortage of female mudin can be addressed by cultivating collective awareness through systematic education and structured practical training. It therefore proposes a women’s empowerment program at the village level that integrates practical capacity building with Islamic legal and ethical principles. Such an approach not only strengthens women’s capacity to participate in the fulfillment of fardhu kifayah but also contributes to ensuring that the funeral rites of deceased women are conducted with greater attention to religious norms, dignity, and gender-sensitive practice