Faith · peace · connection

A dignified resting place.
Close to home.

Together, we are creating an Islamic cemetery for Rotterdam. A place close to family and the community, for this generation and those to come.

Cemetery with a gravestone amid greenery
Where are we now?

From agreement to detailed planning

The cooperation agreement (SOK) has been signed. A planning consultancy is helping us shape the next stages of development.

View the timeline ↗
For our community

A place of peace.
A lasting connection.

Saying farewell in accordance with our faith. Visiting and remembering loved ones. We are working towards a resting place for Muslims in Rotterdam and the surrounding area.

01 / FAITH

In accordance with Islamic guidelines

A cemetery centred on Islamic burial requirements and the principle of perpetual grave rest.

02 / CLOSENESS

Close to our loved ones

A resting place in Rotterdam where families can visit the grave, make dua and maintain their connection.

03 / COMMUNITY

Making it possible together

A lasting facility we build together, for families today and future generations.

The plan in Rotterdam-Zuid

A green resting place in Zuiderpark.

At the intended site on Maeterlinckweg, next to Zuiderbegraafplaats, we are working towards an Islamic cemetery of approximately three hectares. A place for the wider Muslim community of Rotterdam and the Rijnmond region, regardless of origin or background.

THE SITE

Peace, greenery and connection

Careful integration into Zuiderpark is central to the plan. Further development will consider existing greenery, paths and an accessible environment for visitors.

THE PAVILION

Space for farewell and prayer

The plan includes a funeral pavilion of approximately 500 m², with space for gathering, farewell, prayer and ritual washing. The layout and facilities are being developed further.

KNOWLEDGE AND GUIDANCE

Care for families and the community

Alongside the cemetery, IBO aims to provide information and guidance on Islamic burial. Education for schools, healthcare professionals and other interested groups is also part of its ambitions.

These are the intended facilities and principles. The final details depend on the design, necessary procedures and funding.

Step by step

From a shared wish to our own resting place.

The intended site is on Maeterlinckweg, next to Zuiderbegraafplaats. With the signed SOK and support from a planning consultancy, we are working on the next steps.

Achieved

Cooperation agreement signed

A planning consultancy has been engaged for further development.

December 2027 · planned

Land purchase

A next step towards making the cemetery a reality.

December 2028 · planned

Cemetery development

The planned development of the site.

July 2029 · intended

Opening

An Islamic resting place for Rotterdam and the surrounding area.

This is the current timeline. We will keep you informed of progress and any changes.

Investing in the future together

What is needed.
What we can achieve together.

According to the fundraising presentation, the community has raised approximately €850,000. In principle, this can cover the estimated €600,000 land purchase. Fundraising then focuses on development and construction.

LAND PURCHASE · ESTIMATE

€600.000

For purchasing the land. The funds already raised are intended to enable this step.

CONSTRUCTION · ESTIMATE

€3.500.000

For the grounds, pavilion and necessary facilities, including paths, utilities, drainage and greenery.

CONTINGENCY RESERVE

€350.000

A reserve of 10% of estimated construction costs, allowing for unforeseen expenses.

Total project estimate

€4.450.000

The indicative combined estimate for land purchase, construction and contingency.

Fundraising target for construction

€3.850.000

The target for major and international donors covers construction and contingency. This is a fundraising target, not a live counter of the remaining shortfall.

Discuss a larger contribution ↗
What do the construction costs cover?

The indicative breakdown is: site preparation and civil works €800,000; pavilion and building systems €1,400,000; paths, parking, lighting and security €500,000; utilities and drainage €250,000; landscaping and water features €300,000; furniture and equipment €150,000; professional support and permits €100,000. Total: €3,500,000, excluding the €350,000 contingency.

These figures are indicative estimates from the fundraising presentation. The breakdown may change during further design work and tendering.

Help build the future

Your contribution.
A lasting impact.

Your support helps make the Islamic Cemetery Rotterdam a reality. Together, we can create a place that connects generations.

Give towards the cemetery

Support us with a donation

Contribute to a dignified final resting place for our community.

Donate to IBO ↗
Together we achieve more

Start a fundraiser

Bring together family, friends, your mosque or organisation and raise funds for the cemetery.

Start your fundraiser ↗
For this generation and the next

Perpetual grave rest requires lasting care.

Perpetual grave rest is a central principle for IBO. We are working towards securing the land, clear agreements and an organisation that can care for the cemetery in the long term.

CAREFUL SAFEGUARDING

A sustainable foundation

The intended acquisition of the cemetery land is an important step. Agreements on burial rights, management and preservation also require careful development.

MANAGEMENT AND MAINTENANCE

After the opening too

The operating model in the fundraising presentation envisages income from burial rights and, in time, educational and advisory activities. This income should contribute to responsible management and maintenance.

WAQF · FUTURE AMBITION

Strengthening continuity

In time, IBO aims to develop a waqf structure: permanently endowed assets whose returns could contribute to running costs. This is a future ambition that still needs further development.

IBO operates on a non-profit basis. Transparency about the organisation, the use of funds and progress is part of the trust the community places in this initiative.

Good to know

Answers to your questions.

About the opening, reservations and the organisation behind the cemetery.

All frequently asked questions ↗
When will the cemetery open?

The intended opening is July 2029. This is the current timeline. We share progress and any changes on this website.

Can I reserve a grave already?

It is currently not possible to reserve a place.

Who is the cemetery intended for?

For Muslims from Rotterdam and the surrounding area, regardless of origin or background.

Who is behind the initiative?

IBO is working to establish the Islamic Cemetery Rotterdam. The organisation was founded by SPIOR.

Connected to the community. Open about our organisation.

Read more about IBO, our objectives and how we account for our work.

Organisation & accountability ↗