Funeral & Burial Services

Features of Muslim Garden

Alhamdo lillah, Birmingham and the surrounding areas are blessed with a cemetery that meets the Islamic requirements. The Islamic cemetery, called Muslim Garden, is contained within the Oakland Cemetery in Ensley.

The entire 500 plot area, owned by BIS is fenced and bushes are planted on periphery to create a natural separation. The design considers the direction of Kaba. Burial will be without a casket and all other Islamic requirements will be met.

Key Features:

• Burial arrangements 365 days a year (no holiday restrictions).
• No burials after sunset.
• Standardized headstone design approved by BIS Board.
• No heavy equipment allowed over graves (no reservation of spots to prevent machinery crossover).
• Pathways designed to prevent walking on graves.

Guidelines for Islamic Funeral

Each lot is purchased from BIS. Funeral services are provided by the designated funeral home, and payments are made separately.

Designated Funeral Home:

Payment in full is required before services are rendered. If information is received by 9:00 am, same-day burial is possible.

Typical Schedule:

• 10:00 AM: Ghusul at Funeral Home.
• After Dhuhr: Salat ul Janazah at Hoover Crescent Islamic Center.
• 2:00 PM - 3:00 PM: Burial.

What Family Should Do

• Call BIS Office (205-879-4247) immediately.
• Call Roberts Funeral Home (205-925-5115) for body pickup. Mention it is a Muslim Funeral.
• Inform BIS if you need help preventing a post-mortem.
• Inform BIS if family members wish to participate in the washing (Ghusul).

Rules and Regulations

These rules ensure all Islamic requirements are met, consulted with scholars.

Prohibited (Shariah Requirements):

• Sitting, walking, or stepping on graves.
• Placing flowers, decorations, lights, or candles on graves.
• Growing plants on the grave.
• Loud crying or loud noises.
• Bringing food to the grave.
• Reading Quran *at* the grave after burial.
• Women are discouraged but allowed to attend.

Encouraged Acts:

• Throwing three handfuls of dirt (Sunnah) while reciting Surah Taha ayah.
• Silent prayers for the deceased.