For decades, it was common practice among the British Muslim community—particularly those with roots in Pakistan—to repatriate their deceased loved ones back to their homeland for burial. This tradition was deeply embedded in cultural and emotional ties, with many first-generation immigrants still viewing Pakistan as their true home. However, in recent years, there has been a significant shift in funeral customs, with an increasing number of families opting for local burials in the UK.
This change reflects not only the growth of the British Muslim community but also the development of specialised Islamic funeral services and designated Muslim burial sites, making local burials more accessible and in line with Islamic teachings.
Why Were Bodies Traditionally Taken Back to Pakistan?
The practice of repatriation was largely influenced by cultural, emotional, and religious factors. Many of the first-generation Muslims who migrated to the UK in the 1960s and 1970s always intended to return to their homeland after retirement. For them, Pakistan was home, and being buried there meant resting amongst family, ancestors, and familiar surroundings.
Additionally, there were practical reasons:
- Limited Muslim burial facilities in the UK at the time, making local funerals difficult.
- Stronger family ties in Pakistan, where extended relatives could oversee and tend to the grave.
- Emotional attachment, as many believed their final resting place should be in the land where they were born.
This meant that when a loved one passed away, families would go to great lengths to organise repatriation, often facing logistical and financial burdens to do so.
The Shift Towards Local Burials
Fast forward to today, and the landscape has changed dramatically. Second- and third-generation British Muslims now see the UK as home. They have established families, businesses, and communities here, and with the passing of the first generation, the mindset around burial locations has shifted significantly.
Some key reasons for this change include:
1. The Growth of Muslim Funeral Services in the UK
Previously, arranging an Islamic funeral in the UK was a challenging task due to the lack of facilities, but now:
- Muslim funeral services are available across the country, offering Islamic rites in accordance with Shariah.
- Many local authorities have dedicated Muslim burial sections in cemeteries, accommodating the community’s needs.
- Ghusl (ritual washing) and Kafan (shrouding) facilities are now widely available, eliminating the need for repatriation.
2. Islamic Guidance on Prompt Burials
Islam teaches that the deceased should be buried as soon as possible after death. The Prophet Muhammad ﷺ instructed:
“Hasten with the Janazah, for if it was a righteous person, then it is something good you are sending forward. And if it was otherwise, then it is an evil of which you are ridding yourselves.” (Bukhari & Muslim)
Repatriation can delay the burial process due to paperwork, flight arrangements, and logistical challenges. With local burials, the deceased can be buried within 24 hours, in line with Islamic principles.
3. Financial Considerations
Repatriation is expensive. Flights, transportation, documentation, and overseas burial costs can run into thousands of pounds. This financial strain was once accepted as necessary, but with local burial options now available, families are increasingly choosing cost-effective and Islamically appropriate solutions in the UK.
4. The Presence of Extended Families in the UK
As the community has grown, Muslim families are now larger and more established in Britain. Many second- and third-generation British Muslims do not have close ties to Pakistan, making a local burial more practical and emotionally reassuring for grieving families.
Previously, people wanted to be buried close to family in Pakistan, but now, their family and loved ones are in the UK, making local burials a natural choice.
5. The Increase in Muslim Burial Grounds in the UK
Over the past two decades, local councils and Muslim organisations have worked to ensure dedicated Muslim cemeteries and burial plots are available across the country. Major cities like Bradford, Birmingham, London, and Manchester now have well-maintained Muslim burial sections, ensuring that local funerals can be conducted with dignity.
Is Repatriation Now a Thing of the Past?
While repatriation to Pakistan still occurs occasionally, it is now very rare compared to previous decades. Most families today prefer to lay their loved ones to rest locally, ensuring their grave is nearby for visits, prayers, and maintenance.
The combination of Islamic guidance, improved UK facilities, and changing generational perspectives means that the trend of local Muslim burials will likely continue to grow.
Final Thoughts
The shift from repatriating bodies to Pakistan to conducting local burials in the UK reflects how the British Muslim community has evolved. With Islamic funeral services now widely available, dedicated burial sites, and an understanding of the importance of swift burials, local burials have become the preferred and most practical option.
As the community continues to grow, we can expect even more supportive funeral facilities and Islamic guidance to ensure that Muslim funerals in the UK are carried out with dignity, ease, and in accordance with Islamic traditions.
If you need assistance with funeral arrangements, we at Muslim Funeral Services are here to help. Contact us for guidance on ensuring a respectful and smooth burial process for your loved one.
