With great pleasure, we announce the completion of several years of research commissioned by Eternal Gardens as part of our effort to support the community to resolve the burial space crisis.The last few years have been devastating for many.
At the same time the pandemic made clear the realities of the burial space issues and the poor burial standards our community has tolerated for too long. Whilst it was great to see a revival in the community spirit towards improving our existing end of life services and provisions, we still have a long journey ahead to achieve our vision of a dignified, Islamic and affordable outcome across the board.
This new research is a major milestone for our community. It enables the current burial spaces at Eternal Gardens to be extended to support more members of our community.
Whilst the outcome of the research is exclusive to Eternal Gardens’ circumstances, the research provides a thorough review of the Duo Grave Method and has produced a detailed framework which will benefit Ulama and those exploring resolutions on behalf of our community.
We are indebted to our esteemed Ulama:
- Mufti Qāḍī Amjad M Mohammed (Dean, researcher, lecturer)
- Mufti Muhammad Yusuf Danka (Senior Mufti & Islamic Studies Lecturer)
- Sheikh Yunus Dudhwala (Senior Sheikh & Head Chaplain)
- Sheikh Suliman Ghani (Mufti & Senior Chaplain)
- Sheikh Dr Haitham al-Haddad (Jurist, presenter, lecturer)
who committed hours upon hours of research, attending meetings with our grounds experts and conducted site visits to explore and trial various approaches resulting in a final Shariah compliant, dignified, and practical burial methodology.
A key factor which was uncovered during the research was the immense benefit and importance of funeral planning.
At all levels whether it be individuals, families or as a community, we really need to begin approaching end of life through a different lens. Through the lens of funeral planning, we can greatly improve and facilitate enhancements to our current funeral processes. By planning ahead, we reduce the burden on our loved ones as well as on our local burial provisions.
Planning ahead allows for existing provisions to forecast future space and begin preparations in a timely manner for newer burial spaces.
Advanced planning and preparations facilitate the higher standard funeral service and care that our loved ones truly deserve when passing on.
We praise Allah for this opportunity and seek his forgiveness for our shortcomings. We ask him to reward all those who contributed to this unique project.
We urge our community to learn more about funeral planning and actioning measures to facilitate best practice and ensure we and our loved ones pass on the Akhirah in the best manner possible.
Just as we live on the Sunnah, we aspire to die on the Sunnah insha’Allah.