Oct 5, 2007
By
Staff Writer
BBC News
The first Islamic funeral has been held in Dorset but mourners faced a delay because the grave was dug incorrectly.
Located at Poundbury Cemetery, on land owned by Prince Charles, it was 90 degrees out of alignment.
It meant that the body of Mustafa Cafer, 62 could not be buried to face east towards the holy city of Mecca, according to Islamic customs.
"It was difficult for everyone and we waited about two hours [for it to be re-dug]," said Imam Majid Yasin.
Muslim customs require that the grave be oriented northeast to southwest and the body placed on its right side facing east towards the birth place of the Prophet Muhammad.