Best Ways To Find A Muslim Cemetery In London

What Is A Muslim Cemetery?

A cemetery refers to a large burial ground. Where people bury people who have passed away, and go on a journey to the other side. A Muslim cemetery, on the other hand, would be a cemetery made specifically for Muslim people who would bury their loved ones by following their laws and other necessary requirements. In their own sacred ways.

London is the capital of England, where numerous Muslims reside. It shouldn’t be so difficult to try to find out Muslim cemeteries around, especially if there are Mosques in your area. It is supposed to be easier to find. In this article, we will discuss and assist on how to find a suitable and proper Muslim cemetery around London. Check this article by Muslim Connect to get further assistance.

More About The Muslim Cemetery

There is this Arabic word, Maqbara, also commonly known as Mausoleum or another Arabic word in the plural Maqâbir. Which are derived from the most well-known word, Qabr. Which translates to Grave in English. Maqbara, on the other hand, is the one which refers to the graves of all Muslims, especially a Muslim cemetery. Some Asian countries use the word as the Dargah, though.

Apparently, Muslim individuals complete necessary sacred requirements to prepare the body for burial and bury it in the Muslim cemeteries.

Some Etiquettes To Follow During Muslim Cemetery Visits

It is important to pay close attention that burial and grave regulations are considered in the Islamic legal literature, including the etiquette of visiting graves. Muslims all around the world are highly encouraged and advised to follow proper religious guidelines and etiquette during cemetery visits. They are as follows:

It is important that upon arriving at the cemetery, the visitors give Salam as it is Sunnah.
The visitors have to recite recitations during their visits to the grave, as recommended by scholars.
Visitors cannot stand, sit or step over a grave; as advised strongly.
Visitors cannot wail uncontrollably to express their sadness this loudly, which is strongly discouraged.
It is forbidden to shout, yell, talk or speak loudly, argue or fight inside the cemetery.
Any form of glorification of the deceased or superstitions must be avoided.
Recitations of mantras and incantations inside the cemetery are strongly prohibited.

A Brief History Of Burial

The history starts with the two sons of Adam, known as Habil and Qabil. Also known as Abel and Cain, they are believed to be the two sons of Adam and Hawa or Eve.

According to Quranic verses, taken from Al Maida, Qabil was the eldest son, and Habil was the youngest. As Qabil was the wicked sibling and not righteous enough, only Habil’s offering was accepted by Allah from the sacrifices presented by both siblings.

Qabil ended up murdering his own brother. Allah then sent a raven as a message, the message being that the raven bury another raven by digging into the ground. Indirectly indicating how to bury his brother’s body.

The Quran says,

“And he became regretful.” 5:31 (Chapter 5, verse 31)

The Concept Of Burial

The burial of the deceased is considered a crucial obligation and is known as fard al-kifayah for Muslims. Unless the burial is beyond the Muslims’ knowledge or capacity, the whole Muslim community would be guilty if the bodies were not buried properly.

One fact from the Islamic laws is that a Muslim can be buried individually in a grave; however, there are cases where two or three and sometimes more, can be buried together in the same grave if needed.

These days, collective graves of family members can be seen in many Muslim countries, due to space shortages or even the cost of individual graves. That there are cases seen with multiple burials, by keeping a proper and respectable amount of space side by side between each. Keep in mind that the Janazah or funeral prayer should be followed properly before the burial.

Explaining The Length Of The Grave

Earth graves are said to be generally at a single depth, about 1.7m or 5.5 feet. In cases where there might be graves for two people per specific request, a double depth could be considered for the said two people. In that case, the depth of the grave would be measured at 2.1m or 7 feet long and 75cm or 30 inches in width, propped up with timber.

The Concept Of Muslim Funeral

For Muslim burial, Muslims should have a proper idea of Muslim funerals. The idea will be briefly explained here:

Muslim mourners will gather together at the Mosque to recite Ṣalāt al-Janāzah, the Islamic funeral prayer. The mourners have to face Mecca and form at least 3 rows at the least.
The deceased’s grave should be perpendicular to Mecca, including a way where the deceased’s body is positioned so their right side faces the Islamic holy city.
When the deceased Muslim’s body is lowered into the grave, the congregation must say a prayer.
Typically, wood and stones are laid down so that the body of the deceased does not have any contact with dirt.
In the end, each of the mourners would put three handfuls of soil onto the grave.
Keep in mind that usually large or adorned headstones are not permitted, which is why symbols with a marker or small stones are placed to identify the loved ones.
It is also discouraged to bring food, drinks, and flowers as offerings to the deceased’s grave.
And it is encouraged to bury the body as quickly as possible.

How To Find A Muslim Cemetery In London?

To locate a Muslim cemetery in London, there are a few steps below to assist you with ideas you can use. They consist of:

Search For A Muslim Cemetery Online

Online search engines can show you results on Muslim cemeteries near you. You can go ahead and search for “Muslim cemetery in London” on Google, Yahoo and Bing. You can also take the help of Google Maps and try to find a suitable result within a very short time.

Check The Directories Out

Some directories specifically cater to Muslim individuals. There are also directories particularly made for Muslim folks residing in London. You can check them out. And use the search function to locate the one that fits your choice and liking.

Contact Local Cemeteries

Local cemeteries that do not assist Muslim burials but have connections. And can help provide the appropriate information regarding Muslim cemeteries in London. It shouldn’t be such a difficult way.

Do Consult The Local Mosques

Local Mosques can be of great help here. There are Imams whom you can consult with. Along with the Muslim Ummah, you usually go to prayer with. They might have connections or knowledge of Muslim cemeteries. Many Mosques have established partnerships with Muslim cemeteries; thus, it might be rather easier to locate one.

Ask Away The People Who Are Closely Related To You

People with whom you are close and have a good relationship with, you can ask or enquire them about this. People who fall in this category might be your family, friends, relatives, neighbours and even colleagues. They might know of the Muslim cemeteries, thus, help you out by giving the necessary information.

Statistics On Muslim Cemetery

According to this article by Historic England, the number of cemeteries, churchyards and burial grounds in England and Wales is about 12,000 and might be reaching 20,000 respectively.

In the year 2020, it was submitted as a plan that they would build Britain’s biggest Muslim-only cemetery with 5,040 graves in Solihull, near Birmingham, as stated in the article by The National News.

According to the information provided by the Gardens of Peace, the three Muslim cemeteries, namely the Five Oaks Cemetery and Maylands Cemetery, are made for Muslim adults. Elmbridge Road Cemetery is for children and others in London.