History of General Muslim Qabristan

From Tradition to Organized Expansion.

The history of the General Muslim Qabristan of Jogwad dates back to a time when the people of Jogwad used to bury their deceased at the Old Qabristan of Jogwad, located in Pahad (Koliyawad Street) near the Ambika River. As space became limited and the old cemetery reached full capacity, the residents of Jogwad decided to establish a new burial ground in 1947, leading to the creation of the General Muslim Qabristan of Jogwad.

➣ The First Section (1947 - The Beginning)
The oldest section of the General Muslim Qabristan was established in 1947. This area, located near the Qabristan wall where a water bore now exists, was once home to a large Vad (Banyan Tree). During 1946-47, the tree was cut down and sold by Gulam Mahmad Fakir Desai to Shabbir Bhai Patel. This cleared space became the burial site of the first grave in the cemetery—that of Haji Yusuf Makda (grandfather of Hasan Chacha Makda). Following him, Hasan Desai (father of Khalil Bhai Desai) was laid to rest, marking the beginning of the Qabristan’s long history.
Initially, burials were arranged according to family lineage, reflecting the close-knit structure of Jogwad’s community. The land for this first section was purchased from Salehji Makda (grandfather of Adam, Saleh, and Yunus Makda), known as Dhedhwadiya. This purchase was made possible through a family residing in South Africa, who donated it for the benefit of Jogwad’s people.

➣ The Second Section (1988 - The Expansion)
As the need for burial space increased, a second section of the cemetery was established in 1988. This newly acquired land, adjacent to the original section and touching the main road, was generously donated by Abbas Hafeji Mulla. Unlike the earlier family-based burial system, this section introduced a line-wise burial arrangement, making it more organized. The first grave in this section belonged to Gafur Khala Abbas Zina Mulla, who was buried on March 29, 1988 (Wednesday).

➣ The Third Section (2021 - The Latest Development)
The most recent expansion of the Qabristan began on June 29, 2021 (Tuesday). This third section introduced a new burial arrangement, ensuring that visitors approach the graves from the foot side first, rather than the face side. This structured burial method was planned and implemented by Shaukat Gulam Mahmad Desai, who was managing the Qabristan at the time. The new section continues to serve the community, preserving the traditions and sanctity of the cemetery while adapting to the needs of future generations.

Through these expansions, the General Muslim Qabristan of Jogwad has continued to honor Islamic burial traditions while adapting to the needs of the growing community. It remains a place of respect, history, and unity, where families can reflect on their heritage and pay tribute to their ancestors.