Sunday 17 September saw a large crowd brave heat-wave conditions to attend a very uplifting Islamic Family Day at Rookwood Cemetery in southwest Sydney.
The event is held annually to pay tribute to loved ones laid to rest within the Islamic burial grounds of Rookwood General Cemetery, the largest cemetery in the southern hemisphere.
This year’s event doubled as the official opening of the new Islamic amenities (wudu area), which have been operational for a number of months.
These amenities address a crucial need for Muslim community members visiting the cemetery to pay respects to their loved ones.
Hosted by Metropolitan Memorial Parks, the Islamic Family Day was held in collaboration with the Lebanese Muslim Association (LMA), Muslim Cemeteries and Funeral Services Ltd, United Turkish Islamic Centre, Al Zahra Funeral Services and Sakina Funerals.
This united effort underscores the strong sense of community and support among Muslims, underscoring a steadfast commitment to remembering and honouring loved ones in a meaningful and respectful manner.
Roy Halabi is the vice president of the Lebanese Muslim Association, whose LMA Islamic Funeral Services was founded during the 1980s and is therefore Australia’s oldest (and also most patronised) Islamic funeral service.
LMA vice president Roy Halabi at the microphone. (Main photos courtesy of Metropolitan Memorial Parks.)
Mr Halabi pointed out the significance of Rookwood Cemetery to the Muslim community, given its close proximity to the areas of Sydney where the majority of Muslims reside, and also the importance of the burial experience.
“The entire funeral/burial experience must remain religiously and culturally sensitive for the time of burial and long thereafter,” Mr Halabi stressed.
“The process involved in the burial has a long-lasting experience on the entire family and will stay with you whether it is a negative or positive experience.”
“We must continue to have these burial sites as accessible and affordable as possible to cater for our community needs and the needs of other communities.”
“It’s important that we start planning and finding alternative burial sites in nearby locations to accommodate the needs of our growing Muslim community and these locations are further afield (ie, west) where our community is growing in numbers.”
“This is an amana – a trust and a duty upon us – may Allah the Almighty guide us so that it pleases Him in fulfilling this heavy-duty set upon us.”
NSW Multicultural Minister the Hon Steve Kamper commended Metropolitan Memorial Parks Administrator Ken Morrison and the other dedicated funeral industry professionals in attendance, including the various Islamic funeral services present.
(Minister Kamper and Mr Morrison appear in the main photo flanking David Karadavut, funeral director at the United Turkish Islamic Centre.)
Officially opening the new wudu area Mr Kamper said: “Rookwood General Cemetery is a place where we reflect on the legacies of our loved ones who’ve passed away and remember the important roles that they played in our lives….and we offer them our prayers.”
“Today we are also celebrating the official opening of the new wudu facilities.”
“The purification process of wudu prior to prayer serves as a reminder to Muslims of the importance of spiritual cleanliness.”
“As the Minister for Multiculturalism and the Minister for Lands and Properties, I am proud of these additions to Rookwood General Cemetery which show the NSW Labor Government’s commitment to nurturing and supporting the Islamic community in our state.”
In closing, the Minister encouraged everyone to gather together to remember their loved ones, seek blessings for themselves and their families, and reflect on their own lives and the legacies they will leave behind.
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