Council for Mosques Bereavement Services (CfM Bereavement Services)

Delivering Services with Dignity and Respect

Council for Mosques Bereavement Services manages the full process of Muslim burials across Bradford & District, ensuring every stage is carried out with dignity, compassion, and professionalism. We provide an impartial service where the wishes of the deceased and their families are honoured at all times.

Mission Statement

Our mission is to provide dignified, compassionate, and timely Muslim burial services for the Bradford & District community, delivered with integrity, professionalism, and unwavering adherence to Islamic principles. We are committed to supporting families at their most difficult moments through seamless service, strong partnerships, and a highly skilled team dedicated to excellence. As the leading Muslim burial service in the north of England, we strive to safeguard burial practices, plan responsibly for future generations, and serve our community with sincerity, foresight, and the highest standards of care.

Who We Are

We oversee Muslim burials at Scholemoor and Bowling Cemeteries. These cemeteries are owned by Bradford Metropolitan District Council (BMDC) but managed operationally by CfM Bereavement Services, working in close partnership to ensure the highest standards of care, maintenance, and service delivery.

CfM Bereavement Services is a company limited by guarantee overseen by Council for Mosques Bradford. Established in 1981, Council for Mosques is dedicated to serving the needs of the Muslim community in Bradford & District and contributing positively to wider society.

Our Role in Bradford & District

Bradford & District has 24 cemeteries managed by BMDC. CfM Bereavement Services manages the Muslim sections in just two of these yet facilitates almost 60% of all burials across the district. This makes us the largest Muslim burial operation in the north of England.

We operate 365 days a year, providing burial services throughout the day, evenings, weekends, and public holidays to ensure families receive timely support whenever needed.

Strong Partnerships and Seamless Service

We work closely with:

· Funeral directors

· Hospitals

· The Coroner’s Office

· Medical Examiners

· The Registry Office

· Bradford Metropolitan District Council

These partnerships ensure a seamless, respectful, and efficient process for families during their most difficult moments.

Excellence Recognised Nationally and Internationally

Our operational model, responsiveness, and community-centred approach have been recognised nationally, including praise from the National Burial Council.

In 2025, we hosted a delegation from Barcelona Cemeteries, including senior managers, architects, and community representatives, who travelled to Bradford specifically to study our burial management model, land-use strategy, and family-centred approach. This reflects growing international recognition of the expertise developed at Scholemoor and Bowling cemeteries.

Supporting the Community with Compassion

Our team working closely with BMDC finance support team provides discreet financial assistance for families in need, including support for over 50 burials in 2025. We also facilitate non-viable foetus (NVF) burials with sensitivity and care.

We have supported several reverts to Islam who faced cremation due to lack of wills, ensuring they received full Islamic funeral rites. In some cases, our staff travelled to out of town funeral directors to perform Salatul Janazah, an honour we regard with deep responsibility.

Facilities and Improvements

Janazah Gah

The Janazah Gah (Prayer Shelter) is fully operational and used daily for funeral prayers and regular prayers. It includes Wudu facilities, dedicated prayer space, and a small kitchen for visitors.

Cemetery Enhancements

We continue to work with BMDC on:

· Additional water stations at Scholemoor

· Improved drainage infrastructure

· Exploration of CCTV and wildlife-friendly lighting

· Traffic management improvements, including a proposed one-way system

Future Planning

To meet long-term community needs, we are exploring double-depth burials in a designated section of the cemetery. This will:

· Allow families to be buried together

· Increase burial capacity

· Maintain dignity and religious requirements