Funeral Support and Bereavement Scheme is a community based contributory scheme, Initiated by Al-Iman Society of Northamptonshire which follows requests from members to assist and cover funeral costs of the deceased or helping family members who are living in the same household. 

 

This service is locally based in Northamptonshire and operates strictly according to the Qur’an and the Sunnah of beloved Prophet ﷺ. The scheme was established in 2004. 

 

The Scheme is important as the average cost of a funeral in the UK is estimated to be around £2,800.00, which may come as quite a shock to some people especially at the time when it is required to bury our loved ones. 

 

Death is a subject that most people do not think about, however it is something that we, as Muslims, should be aware of and ensure we are prepared for. A lot of the time when there is a need for a funeral, it can leave families suffering from severe unexpected financial hardship and can cause lack of information as to the correct procedures that is essential to be followed to ensure the burial is carried out in a suitable manner. This is heavily increased especially at a time when those involved are already suffering from emotional distress.

 

In Islam, it is a must that if any Muslim dies, their fellow Muslims are required to make sure that the deceased is washed/cleansed, shrouded, and funeral prayer should be performed and buried according to Islamic procedure.  It is Fardh Ayn (compulsory obligation) which turns to Fardh Kifayah (not obligatory) once a section of Muslims has undertaken these duties. These costs in Islam must be recovered from the deceased property and will be deemed as outstanding, provided the deceased has left any wealth behind.

 

There are various schemes like this, however, the main feature that distinguishes our Scheme from others is that it is run completely under strict Islamic guidelines, eradicating any doubts about its eligibility.  It is also interest free and aims to try and provide for non-contributing members who may require assistance.