Can Muslims be buried in a regular cemetery?

The ideal and the necessity

Scholars prefer Muslims to be buried with other Muslims, in graves arranged according to Islamic practice. But in places where no Muslim burial ground exists, Islam does not make life harder than it needs to be:

So the priority is to carry out the burial correctly in the circumstances you have. For the question of lying next to non-Muslim relatives, see Can I be buried next to my non-Muslim family as a Muslim?

What to ask a regular cemetery

• Can the body be laid on its right side facing the qibla, and in which direction do the graves run?
• Can the burial be in a shroud, or in a simple coffin if one is required?
• Can the family and community fill the grave themselves?
• Is there a quiet area or a corner where the graves can be placed together?
• Can a simple marker be used, and is a prayer allowed at the graveside?

Many cemeteries are used to this. Some local councils and private cemeteries have already set aside land for Muslim graves, so ask before assuming there is none.

Coffins, vaults and rules you cannot change

Some cemeteries require a coffin, a grave liner or a concrete vault. Because these are legal or practical rules, scholars generally allow compliance when there is no alternative. Cremation is a different matter, since most scholars do not allow it. See Can I be cremated as a Muslim?

Other options

• A Muslim cemetery further away. A short journey is usually fine, as long as it does not cause a long delay.
• Sending the body abroad. Some families do this, but many scholars say burial close to where the person died is better, since it avoids delay.
• Reserving a plot in advance. Many cemeteries sell plots ahead of time.

For how to find a Muslim plot, see How do I find a Muslim burial plot in the UK or US? And for why speed matters, see Why are Muslims buried within 24 hours?