Muslim Burial Grounds UK
Finding a suitable Muslim cemetery is an important part of funeral planning. This guide helps you find Islamic burial grounds across the UK, understand what facilities they offer, and what questions to ask when booking.
- Over 300 cemeteries in the UK have Muslim burial sections
- Dedicated Muslim-only cemeteries available in major cities
- Graves must face qibla (south-east towards Makkah)
- Some allow shroud-only burial; others require coffins
- Weekend and bank holiday burials often available
- Costs vary significantly by location and cemetery type
Types of Muslim burial sites in the UK
There are three main types of burial options for Muslims in the UK:
1. Dedicated Muslim cemeteries
Owned and operated by Muslim organisations, these cemeteries are designed specifically for Islamic burials. They typically offer shroud-only burial, perpetual grave rights, and services aligned with Islamic requirements. Examples include Gardens of Peace (London) and Muslim Burial Ground (Woking).
2. Muslim sections in council cemeteries
Many local authority cemeteries have dedicated Muslim sections with qibla-facing graves. They may have more restrictions (coffin required, set burial times) but are often more affordable and widely available.
3. Private cemetery Muslim sections
Some private cemeteries have Muslim areas. These vary widely in terms of facilities, rules, and costs. Always check their specific requirements before booking.
Major Muslim cemeteries by region
London and South East
- Gardens of Peace, Elmbridge – UK's largest Muslim cemetery, shroud burial available, 24/7 service
- Muslim Cemetery, Brookwood – Historic site established 1884, near Woking
- City of London Cemetery, Manor Park – Large Muslim section, council run
- Hendon Cemetery and Crematorium – Muslim section available
- Tottenham Park Cemetery – Muslim section in North London
Midlands
- Handsworth Cemetery, Birmingham – Large Muslim section, council operated
- Witton Cemetery, Birmingham – Muslim section available
- Saffron Hill Cemetery, Leicester – Significant Muslim section
- Coventry London Road Cemetery – Muslim section
North West
- Southern Cemetery, Manchester – One of Europe's largest, significant Muslim section
- Blackley Cemetery, Manchester – Muslim section
- Anfield Cemetery, Liverpool – Muslim section
- Preston Cemetery – Muslim burial area
Yorkshire
- Scholemoor Cemetery, Bradford – Large Muslim section, serves large Muslim community
- Nab Wood Cemetery, Bradford – Muslim burial area
- Cottingley Hall Cemetery, Leeds – Muslim section
- Beeston Cemetery, Leeds – Muslim section
- Sheffield City Road Cemetery – Muslim section
Scotland
- Linn Cemetery, Glasgow – Muslim section
- Daldowie Cemetery, Glasgow – Muslim burial area
- Seafield Cemetery, Edinburgh – Muslim section
- Dundee Eastern Cemetery – Muslim section
Wales
- Western Cemetery, Cardiff – Muslim section
- Thornhill Cemetery, Cardiff – Muslim burial area
- Newport Cemetery – Muslim section
- Swansea Morriston Cemetery – Muslim section
What to look for when choosing a cemetery
When selecting a Muslim burial ground, consider these factors:
Essential questions to ask:
- Qibla alignment – Are graves positioned facing Makkah?
- Coffin requirements – Is shroud-only burial permitted, or is a coffin required?
- Burial timing – Are same-day or next-day burials available?
- Weekend/bank holiday – Can burials take place outside normal hours?
- Grave rights – Are plots perpetual or time-limited?
- Double-depth graves – Can family members be buried in the same plot?
- Facilities – Is there a prayer room or covered area for Janazah?
- Headstone rules – What restrictions apply to memorials?
Cemetery costs
Burial plot costs vary significantly depending on location and cemetery type:
Typical price ranges
- Council cemetery Muslim section (resident)£800-£2,000
- Council cemetery Muslim section (non-resident)£2,000-£4,000
- Dedicated Muslim cemetery£1,500-£4,000
- Interment/digging fee£400-£1,000
- Weekend/bank holiday surcharge£100-£500
Residency requirements
Council cemeteries often charge significantly more for non-residents. "Resident" usually means the deceased lived in the council area, though definitions vary. Check with the cemetery before booking as the price difference can be substantial.
Pre-purchasing a burial plot
Some families choose to buy burial plots in advance. Benefits include:
- Guaranteed availability at chosen cemetery
- Current prices locked in (prices typically increase annually)
- Reduced stress for family at time of death
- Ability to purchase adjacent plots for family members
Things to consider before pre-purchasing:
- What happens if you move away from the area?
- Are deposits refundable if plans change?
- How long are the grave rights valid?
- What maintenance is included in the price?
- Can the plot be transferred to another family member?
Urgent burial: What to do
If you need to arrange burial quickly, follow these steps:
Step 1: Contact cemetery immediately
Call your preferred cemetery as soon as possible. Explain the religious requirement for swift burial. Many Muslim cemeteries have emergency out-of-hours numbers.
Step 2: Have documentation ready
You'll need the death certificate (green form) to proceed. Register the death as early as possible—some register offices offer early appointments for religious burials.
Step 3: Confirm all details
Agree burial time, plot location, costs, and any specific requirements (shroud vs coffin, facilities needed for Janazah prayer at graveside).
How to find Muslim cemeteries near you
To find Muslim burial grounds in your area:
- Contact your local mosque – they will know which cemeteries have Muslim sections
- Call your local council – ask about Muslim sections in council cemeteries
- Search online for "Muslim cemetery [your area]"
- Ask a Muslim funeral director – they work with local cemeteries regularly
- Contact the Muslim Council of Britain for regional information
Related Guides
Muslim Funeral Guides
Complete collection of Islamic funeral and burial guides for UK Muslims.
Muslim Burial Requirements UK
Essential requirements for Islamic burial including qibla direction and swift burial.
Muslim Burial Costs UK 2025
Complete breakdown of costs for Islamic burials in the UK.
Same-Day Burial Requirements UK
How to arrange swift burial in accordance with Islamic tradition.
Muslim Funeral Directors UK
Finding specialist Muslim funeral directors who understand Islamic requirements.
How to Register a Death
Registering death before burial can proceed in the UK.
Salat al-Janazah: Islamic Funeral Prayer
How the Islamic funeral prayer is performed and what to expect.
What to Do When Someone Dies
Complete first steps guide including registration and funeral arrangements.
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