Safa Bait-ul-Maal expands mobile ghusl service with two new vans in Hyderabad
HYDERABAD: Safa Bait-ul-Maal has announced the expansion of its “Aakhri Safar” mobile ghusl service in Hyderabad and Secunderabad, citing growing urban constraints and rising demand for funeral support services.
The organisation said it will introduce two additional fully equipped ghusl vans to provide free doorstep facilities for ritual bathing (ghusl) and shrouding (kafan) in accordance with Sunnah, regardless of beneficiaries’ financial status.
Urban constraints drive need for mobile funeral services
With Hyderabad’s population crossing 10 million, the group noted that shrinking residential spaces and apartment living have made it difficult for families to perform last rites at home. Traffic congestion, limited availability of trained attendants—especially women—and rising funeral costs have added to the burden on families.
Taking these factors into account, the organisation decided to expand the service, which was first launched in September 2021.
Maulana Ghiyas Ahmed Rashadi, president of Safa Bait-ul-Maal India, said the service has facilitated ghusl and shrouding for 9,120 deceased individuals over the past five years. “We are receiving a large number of bookings through our call centre, but a single van is not sufficient to meet the demand,” he said.
New vans to enhance reach and round-the-clock service
The two new vans will be inaugurated on April 9, 2026, after Zuhr prayers at Toli Masjid in Karwan East, Hyderabad. The event will be presided over by Rashadi, with local religious scholars attending.
Each van is equipped with two 100-litre water tanks, a geyser, shower system, ghusl platform, drainage tank, and kafan supplies. The vehicles also include waterproof panelling and a fumigation system to maintain hygiene.
The service will operate round the clock in two shifts. Each van will be staffed by a four-member team comprising a driver, two helpers, and a trained male or female attendant.
The organisation said the vans will cover all areas of Hyderabad and Secunderabad and are expected to serve nearly 3 million Muslims. Each unit can assist 6 to 8 families daily.
Appeal for public support to sustain initiative
Rashadi said the cost of preparing and registering each van is about ₹45 lakh, with additional annual expenses for maintenance, fuel and staff salaries.
He appealed to philanthropists, non-resident Indians and corporate institutions to support the initiative. Sponsorship options range from full funding of a van (₹45 lakh or $55,000) to sponsoring individual ghusl services at ₹10,000.
The organisation estimates that the two new vans will provide services for around 5,500 deceased individuals annually. It also plans to collaborate with mosque committees and use social media campaigns to increase public awareness.
The initiative is expected to provide financial and logistical relief to bereaved families while addressing a critical gap in urban funeral services.
