Ensuring Respectful and Dignified Practices for Members and Visitors

The Muslim Patel Burial Trust (MPBT) has set these rules and regulations to preserve the cemetery’s sanctity and ensure a respectful and smooth burial process for all members and visitors. Please review the guidelines to understand membership, burial procedures, and conduct expectations.

Membership Requirements

Mandatory Membership: All male members of the Gujarati Bhuruchi Vohra community must become members of the Trust at the age of 17, irrespective of employment or educational status. This membership includes the individual, his mother, wife, daughters (until marriage), and sons under 17 years old. Sons over 17 are not covered, regardless of their employment status.

Disabled Members: Disabled males above the age of 17 are required to become members of the Trust.
Visitors on Non-Resident Status: Visitors to the UK under a student/spouse or other visas will be treated as non-members and charged the non-member burial fee.

Residency Requirement: New members must reside within the M25 area to join the Trust. Membership will begin 28 days after receiving the confirmation email. If a death occurs within this period, it will be considered a non-member burial.

Revocation and Renewal: Membership can be revoked if the individual engages in prohibited behaviour. Revoked memberships can only be reinstated under exceptional circumstances, such as a change in behaviour or proof of a medical condition, as agreed by the trustees.

 

Burial Costs and Procedures

Member Burial Fee: The burial cost for members is £800 (subject to change). Full payment must be made before the burial. If payment is delayed by more than seven days, an additional £200 will be added, and the total cost will increase to £1,000 unless otherwise agreed upon with the committee.

Non-Member Burial Fee: Non-members must pay £2,500 (subject to change) before the burial can take place.

Child Burial: For children under 17, the cost of burial is covered by The Children’s Funeral Fund for England, which provides financial assistance for the burial or cremation.

Payment Methods: All payments for membership and burials must be made via bank transfer or card payment. No cash payments are accepted.

Burial Time Arrangements: Burial times must be agreed upon in advance with the committee. Burials cannot take place after 18:30 (6:30 PM) in winter and 20:00 (8:00 PM) in summer. Delays for the purpose of family attendance are not considered exceptional.

Green Form Requirement: A ‘Burial/Green Form’ from the coroner or registrar must be provided before the burial. The burial will not be allowed without this form.

Grave Assignment: Pre-dug graves will be used for burials, and families cannot select a specific burial spot. Special location requests will not be accommodated.

Graveyard Maintenance and Usage

Prohibited Actions: Dumping of trash, Islamic literature, or any unauthorized items is prohibited. Violators may face severe penalties, including membership revocation.

Plant and Tree Regulations: Plants and trees on graves must not exceed 75cm in height and must remain within the framed area provided by the committee. Any plants or trees outside this area will be pruned without notice.

Shingle Usage: Only authorized and approved shingle materials may be used outside the grave frames. Unauthorized materials will be removed without notification.

Conduct and Respect in the Cemetery

Respectful Behaviour: Abusive or threatening language or behaviour towards volunteers or committee members is strictly prohibited.

Littering: Visitors must ensure the cemetery grounds remain clean. Feeding of pigeons or foxes is also prohibited.

Dress Code and Conduct: Visitors are expected to dress modestly while in the cemetery. Talking loudly, joking, or laughing is discouraged, as it disrupts the solemnity of the visit.

No Smoking or Vaping: Smoking and vaping are not allowed anywhere on the cemetery grounds.
Respecting Graves: Visitors should avoid stepping on, sitting on, or disturbing graves. No worldly conversations should be held in the cemetery, which is meant for quiet reflection.

No Decorations or Wailing: Visitors must refrain from placing pictures, statues, or decorations on graves. Wailing or lamenting is also forbidden, though natural tears are acceptable.

No Incense or Adhan: Burning incense or performing the Adhan (call to prayer) over the grave is not permitted