Srinagar, July 23: The Muslim community needs to embrace simplicity in life and death, and in burial practices, especially in countries like India, said Dr Imam Umer Ahmad Ilyasi, the Chief Imam of The All India Imam Organisation (AIIO).
In an online video interview given to Brighter Kashmir recently from the United States, Dr Ilyasi reminded devout Muslims to go back to their foundational roots of faith and service to humanity, rather than promoting exhibitionist behaviour in their day-to-day lives.
“When you visit a graveyard, you experience the blessings and benevolence of the Almighty. I am here in Washington to show you what a graveyard here looks like. It is so simple, reflective of humankind’s oneness with nature. No fancy gravestones, simple markings and clear division of lands - for Christian, Muslim or any other religious community burials. In India, however, these days we have graveyards with huge monuments over burial spots. These are not permanently marked spots, and people back home do not accept, or are reluctant to accept these flaws,” he said.
“The point I am trying to make is this that graves and graveyards need to be simple in design for these are final resting places. I have visited London, Canada and am now in the United States. Here in America, graves are not permanent, graveyards are not permanent, and graves simply have stems of flowers placed on top of them. It is so beautiful, solemn and peaceful. Visit graveyards, there are lessons to be learnt from places such as these. We must understand that we have to leave this world at some point of time, and that nothing is permanent,” he added.
Traditionally, Islam mandate a deeply humble and uniform burial process. The process starts with the “Kafan”, or Shroud, wherein the body is washed and wrapped in simple, unstitched white cloth, symbolising absolute equality before God. There are no coffins or monuments. The burial of a devout Muslim typically involves a direct to earth process without a coffin. Grave markers are simple, unadorned stones or nameplates, avoiding glorification.
Burials are done quickly, ideally within 24 hours. In India, this simplicity is obscured by several compounding factors, such as the constraint of space due to conversion of rural into expansive and densely populated urbanised areas. Metro cities like New Delhi and Mumbai are prime examples of a shortage of graveyard land. Families experience administrative delays or struggle to find plots for burial of their loved ones.
Orthodox Islamic dogma discourages elaborate post-burial rituals, notwithstanding the impact and influence of broader Indian customs. Extended periods of mourning and gatherings of people are not encouraged.
The mismanagement and encroachment of Waqf lands has also reduced the availability of designated burial grounds. This shortage requires community intervention at times, as well as fighting cases in court to secure burial spots.
The All India Imam Organisation was established in 1976, and is the largest representative body of Imams in India. It is headquartered in New Delhi and promotes socio-economic welfare, training, and safeguards the societal standing, financial independence and living standards of over half a million Imams across India. It also takes part in global peace initiatives, interfaith harmony dialogues and discussions with religious leaders. The AIIO also promotes the modernisation of madrasa education, healthcare initiatives and skill training of youth.
Srinagar, July 23: The Muslim community needs to embrace simplicity in life and death, and in burial practices, especially in countries like India, said Dr Imam Umer Ahmad Ilyasi, the Chief Imam of The All India Imam Organisation (AIIO).
In an online video interview given to Brighter Kashmir recently from the United States, Dr Ilyasi reminded devout Muslims to go back to their foundational roots of faith and service to humanity, rather than promoting exhibitionist behaviour in their day-to-day lives.
“When you visit a graveyard, you experience the blessings and benevolence of the Almighty. I am here in Washington to show you what a graveyard here looks like. It is so simple, reflective of humankind’s oneness with nature. No fancy gravestones, simple markings and clear division of lands - for Christian, Muslim or any other religious community burials. In India, however, these days we have graveyards with huge monuments over burial spots. These are not permanently marked spots, and people back home do not accept, or are reluctant to accept these flaws,” he said.
“The point I am trying to make is this that graves and graveyards need to be simple in design for these are final resting places. I have visited London, Canada and am now in the United States. Here in America, graves are not permanent, graveyards are not permanent, and graves simply have stems of flowers placed on top of them. It is so beautiful, solemn and peaceful. Visit graveyards, there are lessons to be learnt from places such as these. We must understand that we have to leave this world at some point of time, and that nothing is permanent,” he added.
Traditionally, Islam mandate a deeply humble and uniform burial process. The process starts with the “Kafan”, or Shroud, wherein the body is washed and wrapped in simple, unstitched white cloth, symbolising absolute equality before God. There are no coffins or monuments. The burial of a devout Muslim typically involves a direct to earth process without a coffin. Grave markers are simple, unadorned stones or nameplates, avoiding glorification.
Burials are done quickly, ideally within 24 hours. In India, this simplicity is obscured by several compounding factors, such as the constraint of space due to conversion of rural into expansive and densely populated urbanised areas. Metro cities like New Delhi and Mumbai are prime examples of a shortage of graveyard land. Families experience administrative delays or struggle to find plots for burial of their loved ones.
Orthodox Islamic dogma discourages elaborate post-burial rituals, notwithstanding the impact and influence of broader Indian customs. Extended periods of mourning and gatherings of people are not encouraged.
The mismanagement and encroachment of Waqf lands has also reduced the availability of designated burial grounds. This shortage requires community intervention at times, as well as fighting cases in court to secure burial spots.
The All India Imam Organisation was established in 1976, and is the largest representative body of Imams in India. It is headquartered in New Delhi and promotes socio-economic welfare, training, and safeguards the societal standing, financial independence and living standards of over half a million Imams across India. It also takes part in global peace initiatives, interfaith harmony dialogues and discussions with religious leaders. The AIIO also promotes the modernisation of madrasa education, healthcare initiatives and skill training of youth.
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