Published Monday 4 October 2021 at 9:09
A volunteer organisation that provides advice and support on issues related to death and bereavement for the Muslim community of Blackburn with Darwen has been chosen as the winner of a major local award.
The Blackburn Muslim Burial Society are this year’s recipient of the Leader’s Award at community group One Voice Blackburn’s 1V Awards 2021.
Representatives of the group will pick up their accolade at the organisation’s annual dinner at King George’s Hall this Saturday, October 9th.
Nominations for the award, which this year is sponsored by Blackburn with Darwen Council, were made by the public with the category highlighting people or groups who have promoted community cohesion through integration and leadership.
Dozens of nominations were submitted with the Blackburn Muslim Burial Society coming out on top after being chosen jointly by the Leader of Blackburn with Darwen Borough Council, Councillor Mohammed Khan and One Voice Blackburn.
The Blackburn Muslim Burial Society was founded around five years ago to help support bereaved families through the most difficult of times. Volunteers offer a funeral arrangement service which normally involves dealing with all transportation, washing and shrouding, burial and prayers and paperwork arrangements. They work closely with families to help facilitate and support according to their wishes.
The past 18 months have been especially tough for the group with the challenges presented by Covid-19 but the commitment of teams to bring solace to bereaved families has never wavered.
Blackburn Muslim Burial Society Leader Imran Patel said:
We’re delighted to be recognised in this way. It means that we are doing something right which is ultimately of the utmost importance. We are committed to continue working closely with the coroner, hospital trust, hospital mortuary CCG, paramedics, registrars, cemetery, doctors, the police, the masjids and, most importantly, the community to improve the burial system and raise awareness of the needs of the Muslim community.
Councillor Mohammed Khan, Leader of Blackburn with Darwen Council, said:
The Blackburn Muslim Burial Society are worthy winners of this year’s award. The past 18 months have been especially tough for the volunteers with the challenges of Covid-19 but they been completely committed to their work to help make things easier for those who are sadly bereaved. They treat each burial as if it were a member of their own family, a testament to their kindness, compassion, humanity and sensitivity.
It’s not surprising they received multiple nominations. They are a credit to themselves, their families, their community and the wider Blackburn with Darwen area.
Chairman of One Voice, Abrar Hussain, said:
We are delighted that Blackburn Muslim Burial Society is the recipient of this award. Their work in the community over the last 18 months in particular has been both selfless and inspirational. They have truly supported families in their hour of need.
For more information about the One Voice Annual Awards, visit
https://onevoicenetwork.org.uk/annual-dinner-2/1v-awards-2021/ or call 01254 676193.