Special vehicles to facilitate Islamic rituals

Nampally: Some of the NRIs who have identified problems being faced by the families of the deceased while performing final rites like ghusl (bath before burial) within the city, have come up with a 'special vehicle' to perform the rituals in accordance with the Islamic teachings for free. They are also planning to approach mosques where there is an ample space to come up with a room to fulfil this obligation prior to namaz-e-janaza (funeral prayer).

The members of Telangana NRI Forum and Noor Education Society (Jeddah, KSA) recently met the Urdu Academy Chairman Mohammed Raheemuddin Ansari at his chambers in Haj House building and discussed the idea in view of the problems being faced by the people during final rites of their loved ones. Like most of the urban centres, they felt that the city of Hyderabad, where apartment culture has crept in, the families of the deceased have been facing problems, particularly tenants. Objections were being raised by landlords or those living close to the place of ghusl. But till now, there has been no solution found for the problem. Hence, they are pondering ways to resolve the matter with the help from the state government and departments working for the welfare of Muslims.

Vice President at Telangana NRI Forum Mahmood Misri pointed out that of late due to apartment culture, the scope for this kind of religious obligation has been reduced and people have been facing problems from different quarters. "Masjid, which has ample space, can offer some place and come up with a room for ghusl to solve the problem. The mosque committees should be taken into confidence and a structure and service similar to countries like Saudi Arabia can be provided for free with charity," he said.

The Gulf expat who is serious about resolving the issue also held that the other services like provision of shroud and burial can follow suit, if the initiative is adopted by the community at large and gets materialised. "In Saudi Arabia many mosques has the provision of Ghusl, I hope that this idea comes alive even here and a room is allocated in each mosque which got some space," he added.

General Secretary at Noor Education Society (Jeddah) Mohammed Liaqath Ali Khan affirmed that a vehicle specially for performing Ghusl of deceased would soon be a reality in city, as arrangements are being made for this initiative.

Syed Abdul Rafey, Cultural In-charge at Telangana NRI Forum was also there amongst those who met Chairman of Urdu Academy.