Rising demand for coffins

Religious scholars mostly prefer simplicity in performing the rituals pertaining to the burial of the dead among Muslims. However, the affluent class has introduced the element of ostentation in observing the last rites of a departed soul. The ordinary Muslims have for centuries been wrapping up the dead in a sheet of white cloth, tying both ends with a length of string and consigning them to the graves in the traditional Islamic manner. However, the moneyed class makes a show of their wealth by ordering a coffin with layers of foam used inside and expensive cloth used outside the wooden case. Until a few days ago, a plain coffin used to cost Rs900 while a coffin with good quality was priced at Rs1,800. Carpenters associated with the coffin-making trade say that the prices of glass, plywood sheet and nails have gone up with the result that a plain coffin is now available for Rs1,400 while the one having a better quality can be purchased for Rs2,500. A time came in the recent spate of suicide bombings when the dead bodies unfortunately got disfigured out of recognition and the body organs of the victims had to be pieced together in the coffin without letting mourners have a look at the face of the dead through glass. Both civilians and members of the law enforcing agencies got trapped in horrible explosions, were blown to pieces and ended up having such indecent burials. Since the threat of militancy has not yet receded altogether in all parts of the province, some law enforcing exposed to danger have purchased coffins in advance. Devastating car bomb explosions sometimes justify the use of simple coffins but in the case of ordinary, natural death, the trend of expensive burials should be avoided and discouraged as far as possible.