Proposed Muslim cemetery draws controversy
Islamic Association of Collin County seeks zoning approval in Farmersville
Kevin Cummings
Staff writer, Plano Star Courier
What would have typically been a simple zoning request at a routine planning and zoning commission meeting in the rural Collin County city of Farmersville, has become a point of contention among some residents of the city.
In late May, the Islamic Association of Collin County (IACC) submitted a concept plan to build a cemetery and adjoining commercial space on a nearly 35-acre plot of land situated just outside of Farmersville, in what is called extraterritorial jurisdiction, which is not within the city’s limits, but must comply with the city’s zoning ordinances. While Farmersville city officials said that this is a typical zoning request, based on land use, many residents of the city and surrounding areas have shown up in large groups at city meetings to protest the proposal, with fears of the atrocities committed in the name of religion overseas and the burial practices of Muslims.
“Whoever comes in this is going to be treated the same,” said Michael Sullivan, Farmersville chief of police. “Our role in this is fairly pretty narrow, we’re going to follow the procedures ... there is such thing as a Constitution, and we're going to adhere to that.”
At recent city meetings, residents of the area have suggested that the site will also play host to a mosque, an Islamic center of worship, or potentially a madrasa, an Islamic training center. Others have said that the burial practices of Muslims are unsanitary, and could have health impacts on the area.
“You got some people that have some fears,” Sullivan said.
However, Khalil Abdur-Rashid, spokesperson for the IACC, said that the residents’ concerns are unfounded, and likely due to misunderstandings about the Islamic religion. The IACC has used the Restland cemetery in North Dallas for a number of years, but due to lack of space and a growing Muslim population in the area, the organization has been looking for a new place to lay their loved ones to rest. He said that according to Islamic customs, bodies of the deceased will be washed in warm water, wrapped in cloth and placed in a wooden casket, that will then be placed in a concrete encasing. Though Islamic custom is followed, state regulations regarding funerals and burials still apply. Abdur-Rashid said one of the only differences between Muslim burials and others, is that Muslims do not erect large gravestones on the site.
In response to other concerns, Abdur-Rashid said that more educational outreach can be done in the community, stating that this is simply a cemetery and zoning regulations would likely prevent other uses on the site.
“It’s a little surprising that in our work we constantly do, to try to build bridges that we do for the living, that we would have to do for the dead as well,” Abdur-Rashid said. “A lot of this negative vitriol .. is fueled by ignorance about Islam.. an its informed by sort of the geopolitical events that they see in the media.”
Farmersville was chosen by the IACC due to restrictions on the construction of cemeteries, that would prevent any cemetery from being built in most other Collin County cities. Of the nearly 35 acres, about 17.4-acres will be used for grave sites; the remaining land will be for landscaping and maintenance of the cemetery. Only about 2-acres will be available for commercial uses, which Abdur-Rashid will help fund maintenance of the cemetery. The site is expected to hold about 20,000 burial plots.
“In regards to this Muslim cemetery proposal, I do not really understand the problem with it,” said Hina Beg, a Plano East grad. “We Muslims are part of this community and have been for a long time now. We have the right to bury our loved ones. Actually, everyone has the right to bury their loved ones. It has nothing to do with what religion you identify with.”
Since the IACC concept plan was approved by the Farmersville Planning and Zoning Commission, some residents have suggested desecrating the site before anything is built, to prevent the Muslim community from wanting the land. Abdur-Rashid said that two elected officials in Farmersville have even been threatened by some residents who are against the cemetery.
“That is just crossing the line,” he said. “When you’re talking about taking care of you dead, you’re talking about something that’s a fundamental importance. It’s a fundamental need, and normally, during time of loss and crisis, people of all backgrounds ... come together.”
Both Sullivan and Abdur-Rashid said that they are not concerned about vandalism, if final approval of the cemetery is given, which is likely, due to the fact that the site conforms with Farmersville ordinances, and decisions by city officials are legally required to be based on land-use issues. Abdur-Rashid said that he believes Farmersville is a law-abiding community, and that those in opposition are a vocal minority.
“Some people just need to be educated as far as what is coming,” Sullivan said.