What Are Double-Decker Graves?
Would you like a double-decker grave where another body is laid on top of you in the same grave?
UK Law and the Introduction of Double-Decker Graves
It is now permissible by UK law to create ‘double-decker’ graves; this means existing graves are uncovered and new coffins are laid on top of older bodies within them. This gives cemeteries the freedom to dig up human remains and re-bury them at a greater depth to make more space in the ground above them to put another body in that space.
This allows local authorities and cemeteries to deal with overcrowding within cemeteries and save land space, especially when some cemeteries are at full or nearly full capacity.
Grave Alterations, Permissions, and Next of Kin Consent
New inscriptions can be added to the existing tombstones, or new, smaller plaques could be put on the re-dug graves, or old gravestones can even be removed altogether. Permission to dig up human remains would only be given by the authorities if there were no objections from the next of kin of the deceased, if they are contactable. In instances where the next of kin are uncontactable, the cemetery has the discretion to decide to proceed at will.
The Islamic Perspective on Double-Decker Graves
Such new provisions by the government may be deemed acceptable or preferable by some people and organisations. However, in the Muslim faith and respectful tradition towards those who pass away from this world, this practice is insupportable. Garden of Blessings is pleased to provide traditional Islamic burials and avoid the use of double-decker graves and disturbing the buried bodies of our Muslim brothers and sisters.
Our freehold burial plots are protected from any change to this policy and mean that the deceased can rest in peace without fear of being disturbed or inconvenienced in their final earthly home. May Allah Almighty grant all Muslims a peaceful resting place until the Day of Judgement.