How to Ask Your Boss for Time Off to Attend a Janazah

Jul 17

Losing a loved one or close friend is never easy, and navigating the logistics of work during grief can add even more stress. When requesting time off for a Janazah (Islamic funeral), especially, asking for time off can feel overwhelming.

That’s why we’ve created a thoughtful, ready-to-use email template to help you respectfully communicate your need for time away, so you can honor both your workplace commitments and your need to grieve.

FEEL FREE TO COPY AND PASTE THIS TEMPLATE INTO YOUR EMAIL AND SEND ALONG TO YOUR SUPERVISOR:

Subject Line: Request for Time Off – Bereavement

Dear [Insert Manager's Name],

I hope you're doing well. I’m writing to let you know that I’ll need to take time off on [insert date or “today”] due to a death in my community.

In Islam, attending a janazah—a funeral prayer and burial—is considered a religious and communal obligation. These services usually happen quickly, often within 24 hours, so I appreciate your understanding with the short notice.

I will [be offline for the day / step away for part of the day, depending on what fits], and I’ll ensure that any urgent tasks are covered or communicated as needed. Please let me know if there’s anything specific you’d like me to prioritize before I step away.

Thank you for your understanding during this time.

Sincerely,

[Your Name]