In 1984, six extraordinary gentlemen embarked on a journey of faith, service, and sacrifice — a journey that would leave a profound legacy for generations to come. With hearts full of concern for the Muslim community and the hereafter, they began raising funds to establish a dedicated burial ground. What followed was an inspiring example of selflessness and vision.

Despite approaching local Muslim communities for support, they were met not with help, but with rejection — and, sadly, even abuse. Yet these six men stood firm. Refusing to give up on their mission, they took out personal loans, mortgaged their homes and businesses, and borrowed money from family and friends to secure the funds themselves.

In 1985, by the grace of Allah and through their unwavering dedication, they successfully purchased a beautiful section of land within Woodgrange Cemetery. Just one year later, in 1986, the first burial took place — marking the beginning of a sacred and lasting legacy: the Patel Muslim Burial Trust.

What makes their contribution even more remarkable is that none of it was done for personal gain. These men did not earn a penny from their efforts. They volunteered their time, their resources, and their energy — purely for the sake of their community and their faith.

They worked tirelessly to prepare the land, to organise the burial process, and to reach out to families to become members of the Trust. Their vision extended beyond immediate needs — they were thinking far ahead, ensuring future generations would not face the same challenges.

Their thoughtfulness and compassion extended especially to women in the community. Aware that many South Asian women in the 1980s were not financially independent, the trustees decided that women would be automatically covered under their father’s, husband’s, or brother’s membership. This was not only considerate, it was visionary — ensuring dignity, ease, and protection for women at a time when it was most needed.

Because of the difficulties they faced when raising funds, the trustees created a constitution to ensure the land would be used for a specific community. But even within those parameters, their intentions were always rooted in empathy, unity, and the long-term benefit of the ummah.

Today, with burial space becoming increasingly limited, the wisdom of their actions is more evident than ever. What they did in the 1980s continues to serve families in their most difficult moments — providing a peaceful, beautiful resting place for their loved ones.

No words can fully honour the scale of their contribution. Their efforts were sincere, their actions selfless, and their impact immeasurable.

May Allah (SWT) accept their sacrifices, forgive their shortcomings, elevate their ranks, and grant them the highest place in Jannat al-Firdaws. May their work continue to be a source of ongoing reward (sadaqah jariyah) until the Day of Judgment. Ameen.