Cemeteries Policy - Muslim burial procedure
Burial chamber
The burial chamber is a concrete vault sealed with concrete slabs.
Burials are allowed in a wooden coffin or the deceased may be wrapped in a shroud. If a shroud is to be used, a suitable container should be provided to move the deceased to the graveside and consideration given to how they will be placed into the grave.
Preparation of the grave
Graves can only be excavated by someone appointed to do so by the council.
Prior to the burial we will remove the top soil and concrete slabs and place them to the side of the grave. The plastic sheet between the flagstones will be removed. The plastic sheet inside the vault will be moved to the side of the grave with spades for later use.
Where possible there should be a nominated Muslim community representative present to ensure the smooth running of the burial.
There will be an overseeing council officer present at every burial. They will have a discreet presence at the burial to ensure that everything is in place.
Lowering of the deceased
The lowering of the deceased must take place in a controlled and dignified manner. It is not safe for anyone to enter the grave and so the slings provided must be used to lower the deceased.
Covering the chamber
Once the deceased has been lowered the slings should be removed and the concrete slabs placed over the vault.
This should be followed by the plastic sheet and a second row of flagstones to ensure a water tight seal.
For safety reasons the correct equipment, being steel toe cap boots and gloves,should be worn and extreme care taken.
Once the chamber is sealed the soil may be returned to the grave and mounded as required.
Returning the soil to the grave
Families and mourners may wish to return the soil to the grave themselves and spades will be provided. Our grave diggers are also available to do this or to assist if requested.
Great care should be taken to ensure that mourners are not injured whilst returning soil to the grave. It is recommended that only 3 people do this at any one time.
The soil on the grave should be left mounded to allow it to settle.
The grave diggers will tidy the area and remove excess soil.
Number of burials in a grave
Only 1 interment will be allowed in each burial chamber.