Liverpool Mosque Experiences Space Shortage Amid Growing Funeral Demand

Al-Rahma Mosque in Toxteth, Liverpool’s central hub for the Muslim community of over 40,000, is struggling with limited facilities to meet rising demand for Islamic funeral services, Iqna reported. Serving local and regional families, including from Rochdale, Wirral, St Helens, and Sefton, the mosque currently has only one washroom and one refrigeration unit for deceased bodies.

The mosque conducts the essential Islamic ritual of Ghusl Mayyit (ceremonial washing of the body) but faces overcrowding, lack of privacy, and inadequate support for grieving families. Funeral director Abdulwase Sufian highlighted the strain on resources and the need to repurpose rooms, disrupting other religious activities.

Since April 2023, Al-Rahma has held 138 funerals but urgently needs improved facilities. Plans are underway for a £100,000 upgrade to build a dedicated Ghusl room for up to five bodies, a family viewing room, and a Janazah support office. Funding will come from ongoing charitable donations (Sadaqah Jariyah).