ABSTRACT
Islam has many faces. Since its origins more than thirteen hundred years ago the Islamic religion has mingled many people and nationalities and adapted to a great many social surroundings, geographical conditions and historical backgrounds. The religion based on the Quran and the life of its prophet has rooted in republics and nomadic societies, in kingdoms and under Communist rule. From Morocco to Indonesia, from Kazakhstan to the USA, Islamic religious rule has given direction to the religious behaviour of minorities and majorities, of private believers and communities. Among other things it has determined the way the believers interpreted death and has led to conventional schemes for how to handle the body.
