A new generation is learning Muslim burial rites
An east London charity is offering free workshops on how to carry out traditional burial rites of ghusl mayyit. Photography by Amaal Said
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The Covid-19 pandemic has affected the South Asian community in Britain disproportionately, with an increased risk of hospitalisation, as compared to white groups. According to government figures released in December, Asian and Black people remain at higher risk of catching and becoming seriously ill with Covid-19 in the UK than other groups.
The higher rate of deaths has also led some South Asians to seek out information about Muslim burial rites, including ghusl mayyit, the washing and shrouding of the deceased. Supporting Humanity, a mental health and bereavement charity set up in 2020 in east London, works with young people and families to train volunteers to perform the mandatory Islamic ritual. The charity runs free workshops for women on the last Sunday of each month at the Belgrave Community Centre in Ilford.






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