After a Decade-Long Journey, Construction Begins on Minnesota’s Biggest Muslim Cemetery Near Farmington
In their pursuit to establish a Muslim burial ground in the region, organizers navigated an array of obstacles, ranging from a hesitant local government to acts of vandalism.
A fresh chapter began for Al Maghfirah Cemetery, nestled in Castle Rock Township just south of Farmington, as community members marked the commencement of its construction on October 8, 2024. Credit: Dymanh Chhoun | Sahan Journal
The name “Al Maghfirah” shines with significance, embodying the spirit of forgiveness in Arabic.
On Tuesday, a hopeful spirit mingled with forgiveness as around twenty people congregated in a parched field near Farmington. A meeting taking place after years of delays and legal battles to break ground on the Al Maghfirah Cemetery.
Spanning 72 acres in Castle Rock Township, this expansive piece of land is set to become Minnesota’s largest cemetery serving the Muslim community.
“Our journey has been lengthy and fraught with difficulty, marked by legal strife, vandalism, and numerous challenges,” expressed Mohamad Osman, spearheading the Muslim cemetery venture. “But here we stand, our shared determination bringing us through.”
Anticipated to open its gates in May 2025, this cemetery will boast nearly 50,000 burial sites serving Muslims in the Twin Cities.
The initial land purchase set the cemetery association back $900,000, and another $1.5 million shall be required for development, noted Osman. Existing edifices on this haven will morph into spaces dedicated to funerary rites, complete with gathering areas and washrooms.
“Truth be told, this milestone is overdue,” remarked Jaylani Hussein, leading the Minnesota chapter of the Council on American-Islamic Relations.
At a media gathering on Tuesday, he mentioned that neighbors, local commerce, and spiritual communities have lent their voices in support of this project.
Though the association acquired this land back in 2014 to create a burial space and funeral facility, they faced myriad bureaucratic obstacles with the township’s nod of approval.
Indeed, the Castle Rock Supervisors originally nixed a pitch for an Islamic cemetery, and a conditional permit faced the same fate. Zoning amendments were also made blocking cemeteries from sprouting in this locale.
In 2015, a legal battle challenged this zoning proclamation, culminating in a 2016 win for the association. However, the verdict did not pave way for a funeral home. When they amended a permit request to include it, approval came by June 2022.
Unfortunately, the shadow of vandalism twice cast itself, inflicting over $200,000 in damage, speakers discussed on Tuesday.
Unique attributes set Muslim funerals apart — bodies are lovingly washed sans chemicals, wrapped pure and white, and interred devoid of makeup or clothes.
While other Minnesota sites offer Muslim burial rites, they often present restrictions. For instance, Burnsville’s Garden of Eden Cemetery is known to the Twin Cities’ Muslim populace. Yet, its parking is sparse and lacks an Islamic center for funeral prayers intrinsic to religious customs. Space for burial plots is dwindling too.
A tender farewell for five young women lost in a car mishap in Minneapolis last year drew throngs to the Garden of Eden, Jaylani shared.
“Cemeteries are integral, a real gem for the community,” he conveyed. “I anticipate this will become just that.”
“This venue holds profound importance for us, both in Islamic faith and within Minnesota’s community, promising a resting place for generations,” reflected Imam Mohammed Dukuly during Tuesday’s briefing.
Kassim Busuri, overseeing the Islamic Da’wah Center and once a member of the St. Paul City Council, voiced his desire to spend eternity with his loved ones in the new cemetery when time demands.
“This is our abode, and we’ll rest here too,” he shared.
CORRECTION: The article has been updated to present the correct cemetery opening date.
Edited by: Ali Musa
Axadle international–Monitoring
