A large section of the Muslim community residing in North London (Stamford Hill/Stoke Newington/Clapton) migrated primarily from India, Gujarat a state on the western coast in the late 50’s early 60’s. The communities were economic migrants seeking a better life away from the poverty they had been born into. The first generation’s intentions arriving in the UK were, to primarily earn a livelihood and extend financial support to their families and dependents back home. The dream of going back home and living a prosperous life was their long-term goal and aspirations.
The spirit of working towards the collective good has always been deeply ingrained in those members of the community that settled in the United Kingdom. Within a very short period of time and the subsequent arrival of their spouses and family members, it was apparent the Muslim community was here to stay and make the United Kingdom their home. With this in mind and recognising the growing needs of the community, individuals actively sought to identify land suitable for burials.
The Opportunity
In the 80’s it was brought to the attention of the community that burial plots were being sold at an existing Cemetery in North London for reburial. This was Tottenham Park Cemetery, a small burial ground in Edmonton, in the Borough of Enfield. It was opened in 1912 by the Tottenham Park Cemetery Company, and originally used as a pauper’s cemetery.
The Original Committee
The lead individual who set out in raising funds to acquire the burial plot was Mr Sulaiman Bham (Former Trustee and founding member). He was assisted in this task by Mr Khalil Ahmed Isrollia (Former Trustee and founding member), Mr Bilal Memon (Former Trustee and founding member) and Mehmood Bismillah (Former Trustee and founding member).
These individuals formed the original executive committee and co-opted other members namely Mr Ahmed Kapadia (Former Trustee), Mr Mohammed Pirbhai, Mr Yusuf Hajat and Mr Ismail Patel (Former Secretary). By November 1980 a burial plot was purchased, and Tottenham Park Islamic Association came into existence. These individuals were all serving purely on a voluntary basis and the interest of the community at heart.
The amount paid by members was calculated in line with whatever sum amount purchased for and divided by burial plots available. In this manner, membership grew, and new members joined the association as and when burial land became available for purchase.
Who we help
The Tottenham Park Islamic Association is a community based non profit making organisation. The benefit of membership for an individual member covers their spouse, unmarried sons up to the age of 25, and unmarried daughters irrespective of age, provided they reside with their parents.
Thereafter the children have a right to apply for membership subject to availability of burial plots. The Tottenham Park Islamic Association has and continues to operate in line with the founding member’s objectives in providing a burial plot to the community it serves. Its executive committee members are elected by the membership at an Annual General Meeting every two years, and all serve in a voluntary capacity without remuneration.
The association has access to the use of an undertaker’s ambulance, which has been donated for the benefit of the community. The running costs are borne by members of the community, with no cost to TPICA.
Where we Operate
The majority of the membership consists of those residing close to the two local Mosques. Masjid Quba (aka North London Mosque Trust) at 70-72 Cazenove Road, London N16 6AA and Medina Mosque Trust (aka Clapton Mosque) at 2a Lea Bridge Road, Lower Clapton, London E5 9QD. Tottenham Park Islamic Association works closely with the two Mosques. The premises of the respective Mosques are utilized for Annual General Meetings, funeral services including washing, shrouding, mortuary and prayers.
