The rising costs of funerals and burials have affected the Muslim community in the UK just like any other.

Though Muslims feel the effects more due to the broader socioeconomic factors, including employment disparities, income instability, and limited access to financial resources.

It means many Muslim families often lack the savings needed to cover unexpected expenses like funerals.

Islamic burial traditions, which require swift and dignified funerals, often incur additional financial burdens.

So, how can Muslims address this issue?

There are calls for the establishment of a National Funeral Waqf Fund dedicated to supporting the burial needs of Muslims.

Waqf refers to the charitable endowment of assets or funds for a religious or social cause. It draws from centuries-old Islamic tradition of community welfare and mutual support.

A discussion paper on the need for a Waqf Fund in the UK by Islamic finance expert Mohammad Ajmal Bhatty urges community support networks and specialised financial services to help alleviate financial burden through community-funded Shariah compliant financial assistance.

“A Shariah-compliant National Waqf Fund could significantly address these challenges by offering financial support grounded in Islamic principles,” says Ajmal in the paper.

“This type of fund would distribute the burden of funeral expenses across the community, ensuring that all families have access to a dignified burial for their loved ones, regardless of their financial situation.”

“Such a fund operates by pooling resources from the community to create a sustainable financial support system. It embodies the spirit of mutual aid, compassion, and collective responsibility, which are central to Islamic values. This proactive approach not only addresses immediate needs, such as covering funeral expenses, but also promotes long-term resilience by providing a ready resource for families in emergencies.”

The fund would pool community resources, including donations from businesses, entrepreneurs, and individuals, to create a sustainable system of mutual aid.