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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. |