Mowbray Cemetery in Cape Town has recently launched a new salah facility to cater to the needs of Muslim visitors. The cemetery’s management has been working hard over the past two years to introduce significant improvements that reflect a more empathetic approach towards the bereaved.
A Part of Series of Enhancements
The new salah facility at Mowbray Cemetery is part of a series of improvements designed to meet the needs of the Muslim community. The facility is located inside the administration block near Gate 1 and features a meticulous selection of tiles and colors, along with beautiful Arabic calligraphy on its walls.
Excitement within the Community
Faizal Sayed, Chairman of the Muslim Cemetery Board and Secretary of the Muslim Judicial Council’s Burial Association, expressed his excitement about the new salah facility, saying that it would benefit the Muslim community. He also expressed his gratitude to all those who contributed to making this project a reality.
The Evolving Role of Cemeteries
Sheikh Riad Fataar, Second Deputy President of the Muslim Judicial Council (MJC) and Chairman of the MJC Burial Administration, shared his thoughts on the changing role of cemeteries in today’s world. He explained that Mowbray Cemetery, along with other burial sites, is now aiming to alleviate the challenges faced by grieving individuals while offering enhanced amenities, like the new salah facility, to the public. This shift marks the beginning of “a revivalist era in cemeteries,” according to Fataar.
The Importance of the New Facility
Advocate Shameemah Dollie Salie, a member of the Moslem Cemetery Board, emphasized the importance of the new facility. Salie noted that while the physical size of the facility might not be significant, it represents a period of progress, expansion, compassion, and thoughtfulness. The salah facility offers a serene and tranquil environment for prayer and provides solace to passersby during prayer times.
Salie encouraged members of the public to visit and make use of the various facilities established in recent years at Mowbray Cemetery.
A Testament to Collaboration
Mowbray Cemetery’s new salah facility is a testament to the power of collaboration and a shared vision of creating a more supportive and accommodating environment for those in mourning. It demonstrates the cemetery’s commitment to understanding and responding to the needs of the Muslim community. As other cemeteries follow suit, this trend is likely to continue reshaping the landscape of burial sites, ushering in a new era marked by progress, compassion, and inclusivity.
