Muslim grave fields in Diez: Decision is imminent!

Muslim grave fields in Diez: Decision is imminent!

In the new cemetery in Diez, soil samples have recently been taken for the establishment of Muslim grave fields. A barrier is currently on the area, while the district administration obtains statements by several authorities and companies in order to advance the approval procedure. The decision to build the graves is expected in the near future. In the area of ​​Diez, especially in Hahnstätten, Bad Ems and Lahnstein, Muslim graves have already been established and thus show the growing need for corresponding funeral options.

Islamic burial culture has so far been little observed in Germany, although the need increases steadily. Muslims provided about 5% of the total population of Germany until 2015. This invisible but significant group is distributed differently in various regions, the proportion in Saxony was only 0.7% and 8.2% in Berlin. So far, infants, dead births and war refugees have been buried, while Muslim burials usually have to take place in special grave fields in municipal or church cemeteries. The funeral laws vary greatly and are the responsibility of the federal states.

challenges and change needs

The cemetery and funeral law in Germany is associated with challenges, especially for Muslims who want to be buried according to their own religious regulations. Article 4 (2) of the Basic Law guarantees the right to practice religion, which also includes the need for religious burials. Relatives of Muslim minorities without their own cemeteries have the right to be buried in accordance with their traditions in public cemeteries. Nevertheless, Muslim communities are often confronted with practical obstacles, such as the legal coffin obligation and the requirement to align graves to Mecca. These aspects are not only important for the mourners, but also affect the organizational structures of the cemetery administrations.

Traditionally, relatives carry out the digging and closing of the grave, but many cemetery administrations reject active participation. In addition, there are demands for an eternal RELICATION that excludes exhumers, while the rest periods in Germany fluctuate considerably - between 15 and 25 years. In order to meet the needs of the Muslim community, agreements with local Muslim organizations are essential.

growing need for Muslim grave fields

In Germany there are now more than 300 Muslim grave fields, but not a single Muslim cemetery. The first Muslim cemetery is being planned, but is faced with financial challenges. In comparison, the statistics of cemetery administrations show a clear increase in burials on Muslim grave fields. In Berlin, for example, 441 burials were registered in 2018, while in Düsseldorf the increase from 62 in 2018 to 82 becomes clear.

The funeral rites are clearly defined in Islam. According to Islamic custom, the burial of earth is mandatory, while the fire burial is prohibited. Ritual washes that represent a collective obligation can be carried out in mosques or through funerals. These specific regulations and the desire for funerals in the light towel require an adaptation of the cemetery administration to the needs of the Muslim grievers to ensure a dignified and culturally appropriate burial.