Canadian Muslims criticize ban on burial of Muslim woman in Ontario

Canadian Muslims criticize ban on burial of Muslim woman in Ontario
———————————
Residents of Thorold are denouncing a critical lack of burial spaces to accommodate deceased Muslims, IQNA reported.

The incident occurred when, due to an internal municipal regulation, the burial of an 18-year-old girl, who recently died in a road accident, was prevented just one hour before the scheduled ceremony.

A family member indicated that the city council withdrew its agreement shortly before the burial, causing an extremely stressful situation.

Around a hundred people gathered in front of the town hall to pay tribute to the young girl and protest against the municipality’s decision. The commemoration then continued inside the council chamber.

Asad Mahmoud, a local religious leader and manager of the Lakeview municipal cemetery, had initially agreed that the burial could take place in the section reserved for Muslims, in accordance with Islamic rites, with the body facing the qibla. However, this authorization was revoked at the last minute.

The deceased woman’s father, Malik Masoud, says that the refusal came at a critical and painful time for the family. Residents across the region have expressed concern about the lack of suitable solutions for the Muslim community.

The young girl was eventually buried in the Niagara Islamic Cemetery. Provincial authorities confirmed they would be reviewing the case, while protesters are hoping for a reversal of the city’s decision.