- 07803 240493
- info@mbcol.org.uk
- 1a Moat Road Leicester LE5 5EF
The Founding of the Muslim Burial Council of Leicestershire The Muslim Burial Council of Leicestershire (MBCOL) was born from a moment of profound personal loss and a determined quest for dignity and respect for Islamic burial rites. Our story is one of community solidarity, perseverance, and a groundbreaking achievement that transformed funeral services for Muslims across the UK.
The Religious Imperative for Swift Burial For the Muslim community, burying the deceased as soon as possible is a fundamental religious obligation and a core expression of faith. This urgency is rooted in the sacred teachings of Islam, which emphasise honouring the deceased and easing the journey of the soul. The Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) instructed the faithful: “Hasten the burial; if the deceased was righteous, you are taking him to a good place, and if he was otherwise, it is an evil of which you are ridding yourselves.” This directive underpins several key principles: Dignity and Respect: A swift burial is considered a final act of honour and mercy towards the deceased, preventing any delay that could be seen as disrespectful to the body. Spiritual Comfort: It provides immediate closure and comfort for the grieving family, allowing them to begin the mourning process knowing their loved one has been laid to rest according to divine command. Collective Responsibility: It is a collective duty (Fard Kifaya) upon the community to ensure the burial is performed correctly and promptly. Therefore, the ability to bury within 24 hours is not merely a preference but a deeply held religious need of paramount importance, essential for the spiritual well-being of both the deceased and the bereaved.
A founding meeting was held at the Melbourne Centre, where a comprehensive constitution was presented, debated, and formally agreed upon. This historic gathering formally established the Muslim Burial Council of Leicestershire (MBCOL) as the official organisation to represent the community’s burial needs and advocate for systemic change.
Empowered with this clear community mandate, MBCOL entered into formal negotiations with Leicester City Council. These discussions were groundbreaking, as no local authority in the UK had previously addressed this specific religious requirement in a systematic way.
After extensive negotiations, these talks resulted in Europe’s first legal agreement permitting Muslim burials seven days a week, including weekends and bank holidays. This historic achievement set a precedent that would be studied and replicated across the continent.
Received a prestigious award in recognition of our outstanding community service, honoring the significant impact we have made in improving lives and fostering positive change within the community.
The Muslim Burial Council Of Leicestershire (MBCOL) was presented with the Queen’s Golden Jubilee Award for Voluntary Service
Guided by experienced leaders who ensure MBCOL’s vision and values are upheld.
Moj Bashir
Chairman
Mussa Saleh
Vice Chairman
Naveed Ibrahim
Trustee- Legal Advisor
Shahnawaz Abdul Hamid
Trustee – Treasurer
Moshin Khalifa
Trustee – Secretary
Moshin Khalifa serves as Secretary of MBCOL and is deeply committed to improving funeral services with integrity and compassion. With a background in Youth and Community work and experience in Education Welfare, he brings strong people-focused values and a drive for positive change. His vision extends beyond Leicester, working to raise standards nationally while serving the community with dedication.
Ahmed Kasu
Trustee
Adam Sabat
Trustee
Dr. Mohammed Shaikh
Trustee
Dr Mohammed Shaikh has been an active volunteer in the practical funeral arrangements field for a few years, dedicating his time and expertise to supporting families during some of their most challenging moments.
With a strong background in community engagement and development, Dr Shaikh has extensive experience in supporting and training volunteers, conducting qualitative research, and managing community-based programmes and projects. His ability to combine academic insight with hands-on community engagement enables him to bridge the gap between practical service delivery and long-term community empowerment.
Dr Shaikh is passionate about ensuring that essential services such as funeral care are delivered with professionalism, empathy and cultural sensitivity.
Dr. Mohammed Abdul Majeed
Co-opted Board Member
Three pillars supporting our mission to serve the Muslim community with
excellence and devotion
Comprehensive guidance and resources for Islamic funeral rites, ensuring traditions are honored with respect and authenticity.
Comprehensive guidance and resources for Islamic funeral rites, ensuring traditions are honored with respect and authenticity.
Comprehensive guidance and resources for Islamic funeral rites, ensuring traditions are honored with respect and authenticity.
MBCOL serves as the central coordinating body for Islamic burial services in our community, ensuring that all Muslim families have access to dignified. Shariah-compliant funeral arrangements. We work closely with hospitals, funeral directors, local authorities, and religious institutions to provide seamless and respectful services during times of bereavement.
Professional funeral direction services ensuring all islamic customs and traditions are properly observed
Certification assistance with death certificates, burial permits, and essential documentation.
Expert advice on islamic burial practices, cemetery regulations, and community burial planning
Ensuring a services meet local authority requirements while maintaining Islamic burial standards.
Round-the-clock availability for urgent matters and time-sensitive islamic burial requirements.
