Shabazz’s Body Readied for Burial

Betty Shabazz’s body was prepared for Muslim burial at the same Harlem funeral home where the corpse of her husband, Malcolm X, was ritually washed and shrouded after his assassination 32 years ago. “It was beautiful, absolutely beautiful,” said Aisha al-Adawiya, who joined the couple’s six daughters in the ceremony. Shabazz died Monday from severe burns suffered in a June 1 fire allegedly set by her 12-year-old grandson, who is in juvenile custody. After the ceremony, nearly 1,000 mourners paid their respects. Funeral services were set for Friday at the Islamic Cultural Center in Manhattan, followed by burial in Ferncliff Cemetery in suburban Westchester County, where her husband is buried. A memorial service was also set for Sunday at Manhattan’s Riverside Church.