• Activities
• 14 Thul Qida 1447

The Representative of the Supreme Religious Authority in Europe Lays the Foundation Stone for “Wadi al-Husayn” Cemetery in Surrey, South of London
“The establishment of this Islamic cemetery is not merely a ritual act, but a profound embodiment of identity and belonging, and a preparation for the hereafter.”

Media Office Correspondent – May 2, 2026
His Eminence Sayyid Murtada al-Kashmiri laid the foundation stone on Friday, 13 Dhu al-Qa‘dah, for the “Wadi al-Husayn (P)” cemetery in the Surrey, south of London.
The need for such a project in this region has been pressing, given the large number of believers residing there. In response, a group of benefactors (may Allah reward them) took the initiative to donate a sizeable plot of land within a broader cemetery complex that accommodates various religions and denominations. This cemetery will become part of the wider network of burial grounds across London, especially in light of the increased number of deaths following the COVID-19 pandemic, which claimed hundreds of lives.
A number of community members attended the groundbreaking of this ceremony, during which the noon prayers (Dhuhr and ‘Asr) were performed. His Eminence then delivered a detailed address on the philosophy and inevitability of death, citing the Qur’anic verse, “Every soul shall taste death” (Qur’an 3:185). He emphasized that a believer should not become overly attached to worldly life while neglecting what awaits in the Barzakh period and the Hereafter. The Qur’an and the teachings of Prophet Muhammad (P) and the Ahl al-Bayt (P) have consistently stressed the importance of preparing for the afterlife, beginning from the grave and culminating in the final reckoning.
His Eminence further noted that Islam does not limit its concern to a person’s worldly life, but extends its guidance to what follows death. Divine law encompasses the human being with care even after departure from this world. Just as Islam has legislated rulings governing human life from birth, it has also prescribed detailed rulings addressing the state of the deceased, preserving human dignity, safeguarding one’s ultimate destiny, and protecting the rights of others connected to the deceased. This stands in contrast to certain traditions and groups that respect the human being only during life while denying dignity to the body after death through practices such as cremation or exposure.
These detailed rulings are outlined in the works of jurists under the chapter “Ahkam al-Mayyit” (laws pertaining to the deceased). They encompass the divine instructions concerning the human being from the moment of death through washing, shrouding, funeral procession, prayer, and burial in a dignified place. The narrations of the Imams of Ahl al-Bayt (P) strongly encourage holding commemorations, offering food, performing prayers, giving charity, and other acts of good deeds on behalf of the deceased, all of which help prepare the soul for the Hereafter.
The philosophy of burial reflects honoring the sanctity of the body and protecting it from desecration due to natural decomposition or external harm such as predatory animals or environmental factors. Moreover, placing the body in a designated location allows relatives and loved ones to visit, supplicate for the deceased, recite the Qur’an at the grave, and seek forgiveness on their behalf. Such acts fulfill a moral duty, preserve the memory of the deceased with goodness, bring comfort to them, and increase their rewards at a time when they are most in need.
From another perspective, these practices serve as a powerful reminder for the believer to hasten toward righteous deeds and seize opportunities before meeting the same fate. This is reflected in the words of Imam Ali (P) in Nahj al-Balagha, when he returned from Siffin and stood by the graves outside Kufa, saying: “O inhabitants of desolate dwellings and abandoned abodes, O people of dust, estrangement, solitude, and loneliness: you have preceded us, and we shall follow you. As for your homes, they have been inhabited; as for your spouses, they have remarried; and as for your wealth, they have been distributed. This is our news—what is yours?” Then he turned to his companions and said: “Were they permitted to speak, they would inform you that the best provision is piety.” These powerful words call for reflection whenever we visit the graves of our loved ones, and indeed in all circumstances.
We ask Allah, the Exalted, to make us among those who prepare for the Hereafter with the best provision, who pave their path with piety and righteous deeds, and to grant us security on that difficult Day when neither wealth nor children will avail, except one who comes to Allah with a sound heart. We also ask Him to grant us the intercession of Prophet Muhammad (P) and his pure Ahl al-Bayt (P). All praise is due to Allah, Lord of the worlds.