Mustapha imported Islamic natural graves, which are few in the Netherlands: ‘End of life here’
Ouarani and his partner were busy for 5 years, but now the time has come. Part of the Eygelshof nature cemetery in South Limburg is reserved for Muslims.
In search of eternal peace
“In 2017 I came to visit here with my wife”, Ouarani tells about Eygelshof cemetery. “And then a sage who has past within the faith?”
The Netherlands does not have all suitable people, but not all of them are suitable. “Muslim graveyards are also present in the municipal cemeteries, but they are not forever.” And eternal rust is an important aspect of the Islamic grave, as is the return of the body to the earth. “We assume sobriety, a bit of immersion in nature.”
Buried within 24 hours
According to Ouarani, part of the Muslim community in the Netherlands is currently opting for repatriation. “While within faith you should actually be buried within 24 hours. So that’s actually internal use of your faith.”
The corona pandemic was a catalyst, says Ouarani. People could not be buried in their country of origin during the lockdowns. “People who do not have repatriation insurance were sometimes in France for weeks in cold stores. That is not justifiable.”
‘End of life here’
According to Ouarani, there is regular discussion in the Netherlands about repatriation. People wonder why Muslims go to their country of origin and whether repatriation is good for the environment, says.
“Now we have something that’s just a capstone of life here.” If you want to live in the Netherlands, you also want to be able to be buried here. “We are also part of this society.”