nrc.nl
Netherlands Addresses Growing Demand for Islamic Cemeteries
A new Islamic cemetery in Tiel, Netherlands, is under construction, addressing the growing need for perpetual burial rights among Muslims, driven by changing generational preferences and the limitations of existing burial options. This new cemetery, opening in three months, will offer 4,000 burial spaces and a mourning center, expanding the already existing cemetery in Zuidlaren.
- How are factors such as the COVID-19 pandemic and generational shifts impacting the demand for Islamic burial grounds?
- Several factors contribute to the growing need for Islamic cemeteries in the Netherlands. Firstly, the preference of second and later generations of Muslims to be buried in the Netherlands is rising, creating higher demand. Secondly, the COVID-19 pandemic highlighted the challenges of repatriation for burial, accelerating this trend. The limited availability of perpetual burial options in existing cemeteries further fuels the demand.
- What is the primary cause of the increased demand for Islamic cemeteries with perpetual burial rights in the Netherlands?
- The Netherlands is experiencing a surge in demand for Islamic cemeteries offering perpetual burial rights, as younger generations of Muslims increasingly prefer burial in their homeland rather than their ancestors'. This is driven by factors such as the desire for easier family access to graves and the increasing integration of Muslim communities within the Netherlands. A new cemetery in Tiel, with space for 4,000, will open in three months, addressing this growing need.
- What are the potential long-term implications of this rising demand, considering factors such as land availability and municipal policies?
- The increasing demand for Islamic cemeteries in the Netherlands reflects broader societal shifts, including greater integration of Muslim communities and a changing perception of death and burial practices. The success of initiatives like the new Tiel cemetery may inspire similar projects in other municipalities, potentially leading to a larger expansion of Islamic burial grounds in the coming years. This trend highlights the ongoing need for inclusive burial options within a diverse society.
Cognitive Concepts
Framing Bias
The article frames the issue as a pressing need for more Islamic cemeteries, highlighting the difficulties faced by Muslims who want to be buried in the Netherlands. The headline and introductory paragraphs emphasize the scarcity of space and the challenges faced by those seeking burial grounds, creating a sense of urgency and potentially influencing readers to sympathize with the need for more cemeteries. The focus on the challenges faced by Muslims in finding burial space creates a sympathetic narrative without balancing it with the views of those who might oppose the creation of new cemeteries.
Language Bias
The article uses relatively neutral language, although the frequent use of phrases highlighting the challenges and difficulties faced by Muslims could subtly influence the reader's perception. For instance, phrases such as "huiverig" (hesitant) when describing the municipalities' reactions, and emphasizing the difficulties in finding land subtly conveys a negative image. More neutral alternatives could be used to describe the situation more objectively.
Bias by Omission
The article focuses heavily on the need for more Islamic cemeteries in the Netherlands, but omits discussion of potential alternative solutions, such as expanding existing cemeteries to accommodate Muslim burials or exploring innovative burial methods that might use less land. It also doesn't address the potential environmental impact of creating numerous new cemeteries.
False Dichotomy
The article presents a false dichotomy between the desire of some Muslims to be buried in the Netherlands versus their home countries, implying this is a simple eitheor decision. It ignores the nuanced reasons why families might choose either option, including cultural and religious factors beyond simple national identity.
Gender Bias
The article primarily focuses on male voices, featuring interviews with male leaders of Islamic burial organizations. While it mentions the impact on families, it doesn't specifically highlight the perspectives or experiences of women involved in these decisions. There is a potential bias by omission here.
Sustainable Development Goals
The development of new Muslim cemeteries addresses the need for inclusive and accessible burial services within communities, promoting social inclusion and respect for diverse cultural practices. The creation of these cemeteries reduces the need for families to travel long distances for burials, improving the quality of life for grieving families and fostering a stronger sense of belonging within their local communities. The article highlights the challenges faced in securing land for these cemeteries and the impact on families who desire local burial options.