Best Ways To Find A Muslim Graveyard In London

Prophet Muhammad ﷺ said:

“كُنْتُ نَهَيْتُكُمْ عَنْ زِيَارَةِ الْقُبُورِ، فَزُورُوهَا؛ فَإِنَّهَا تُذَكِّرُكُمُ الْآخِرَةَ.”
Kuntu nahaytukum ʿan ziyārat al-qubūr, fazūrūhā; fa-innahā tuḏakkirukum al-ākhirah.
“I used to forbid you from visiting graves. But now you may visit them, for they remind you of the Hereafter.”
(Sahih Muslim, Hadith 977)

Muslim Graveyard

In the Muslim community, when someone passes away, there is a method which is followed by important religious and cultural traditions where the dead souls are honoured and buried beneath the grave.

The initial part of this process is the Muslim graveyard, which is also known as Maqbara (مقبرة) or Qabrastan (قبرستان). Visiting a Muslim graveyard can bring comfort, reflection, and a deeper understanding of Islamic beliefs about life and death.

There is a comprehensive amount of stories and hadith regarding the graveyard, it is known to be the most realistic truth that we Muslims and other religious people carry with them for the rest of their lives until the day of their last breath.

We know we can’t get away with it, it will come by no time soon. Which is the actual reason we Muslims pray to Allah Subhanahu wa Ta’ala to protect us from the hellfire and reward us in Heaven, which in Islam we call “Jannah” in Arabic الجَنَّة.

What Is The Meaning Of A Muslim Graveyard?

The name of a Muslim graveyard is often called Maqbara or Qabrastan. So Maqbara (مقبرة) is an Arabic word, and the meaning is Graveyard or Cemetery. Qabrastan is typically used in South Asia, like Pakistan, Bangladesh, and India.

What Are The Rules For Muslim Graves?

Our religion only permits burying the deceased in the ground; cremation is prohibited.
The body of the deceased should be buried as soon as possible; the precise time is within 24 hours.
The face must face Qibla, which is Mecca’s direction.
Prioritising simplicity is important since the graves should be modest and uncomplicated, eliminating anything that flaunts riches or prestige. Intricate tombstones, statuary, or
embellishments are prohibited by Islamic practice.
The burial may be identified with a straightforward headstone or marker.
It is considered disrespectful to sit, walk, or step directly on a grave.
The visitors should offer du‘a (supplication) for the deceased, like reciting short prayers like “Peace be upon you, O people of the graves”.
Islam forbids worshipping or praying to the dead or at the grave itself as a form of worship.

The Importance Of Burial In Islam

The respectful and appropriate method of dealing with a deceased person’s body in Islam is burial. It’s more than just a cultural tradition. However, in accordance with the teachings of the Qur’an, the Sunnah, and the tradition of the Prophet Muhammad ﷺ, it is a religious obligation.

Muslims believe that all human beings are respected by Allah Subhanahu wa Ta’ala. Even if the person is dead, his body must be treated with respect and dignity because it also shows respect towards God’s creation. The only reason cremation is used among the muslim people is that Islam forbids it.

Instead of that, we wash the body gently, wrap it in a white cloth called a kafan, and bury it in the ground facing the Qiblah, the direction of the Kaaba in Mecca.

Allah says in the Qur’an,

مِنْهَا خَلَقْنَاكُمْ وَفِيهَا نُعِيدُكُمْ وَمِنْهَا نُخْرِجُكُمْ تَارَةً أُخْرَىٰ
“From the earth We created you, and into it We shall return you, and from it We shall bring you forth once more.”
— Surah Ta-Ha (20:55)

Following the Sunnah in Islam is vital. Out of respect for the dead, the Prophet Muhammad ﷺ always encouraged his companions’ quick burial, within 24 hours, which is more appropriate. He also visited graveyards and taught Muslims to pray for those who have passed away.

The Prophet Muhammad ﷺ was passing through two graveyards. These two were being punished, but they were not being punished for something difficult to avoid. One of them used to walk around spreading gossip (namīmah), and the other person didn’t keep himself clean after using the toilet.

Then he took a green branch and broke it in two, and planted each piece in a grave. He said, “Perhaps their punishment will be reduced as long as these do not dry out.”

What Happens Before Burial?

Ghusl (Washing The Body)– The body of the deceased is washed by any close family members or someone who is trained and capable of doing it properly, and is done by the same gender.
Kafan (Shrouding The Body)– A Kafan is a simple white cloth wrapped around the deceased’s body after washing the body. It is the reflection of equality; whether the deceased body is rich or poor, all Muslims are buried in the same way. Islam is a kind of religion that does not differentiate among the human race, colour, wealth, or anything.
Salat Al-Janazah (Funeral Prayer)– A special prayer for the deceased is held at a mosque or near the graveyard. This prayer asks for forgiveness, peace, and mercy for the one who has passed away.

How Are Muslims Buried?

In the cemetery in Islam, Muslim follows a specific method while burying:

The grave is dug so the body will lie on its right side along with facing the Qiblah, wherein the grave is visibly directed towards Mecca.
While burning the body, no coffin is used in many Muslim cultures unless it is officially required by law. The body should be directly on the earth, following the tradition of the Prophet Muhammad (ﷺ) (peace be upon him).
A wooden board or stones may be used to cover the body before the grave is filled.
Friends and family members often take turns placing soil into the grave, which is seen as a final act of love and respect.

How To Find A Muslim Graveyard In London?

Search Online

Use online tools like Google App or search “Muslim Graveyard London” or “Islamic burial ground near me”. You have to be clear about what you want; don’t confuse Google while answering your question.

Contact Mosques

Local mosques, such as the East London Mosque, can provide you with better information. In London, there are other mosques that may lead you better, but the East London Mosque is renowned among Muslims.

Check Gardens Of Peace

A well-known Muslim graveyard with locations in Ilford and Hainault is called Gardens of Peace. It is popular because it follows Islamic burial traditions and is a peaceful, respectful place for Muslim burials.

Ask Funeral Services

Muslim funeral directors handle everything, which includes burial arrangements as well. There are a few well-known funeral services, such as Muslim Funeral Services London, Al-Karam Funeral Services, and Peace Funeral Services.

Use Your Local Council Website

There are some London boroughs, like Newham, Brent, or Tower Hamlets, that list cemeteries on their websites with Muslim sections, burial fees, how to book a grave, and opening hours.

Statistics Of The Muslim Graveyard In London

As of 2011, a study by the Graveyard Research Group for the Greater London Authority found that there are 128 cemeteries in London. City of London Cemetery and Crematorium was established in 1856, and is located on Aldersbrook Road, Newham. The actual size of the area is approximately 200 acres. One of the largest municipal cemeteries in the UK, which is known to be open to all regardless of religious affiliation.

Brompton Cemetery was estimated that it was been established in 1839, is located on Fulham Road, London, SW10. There are around 35000 graves and managed by The Royal Parks; it’s one of the Magnificent Seven cemeteries.