Efforts under way for Muslim cemetery in central Minn.

ST. CLOUD, Minn. (AP) In a sign that Somalis and other immigrant refugees are becoming a permanent part of central Minnesota, a Somali Elders Council is trying to establish a Muslim cemetery in the St. Cloud area.

Since Somalis started arriving in the region in the late 1990s, more than 20 St. Cloud-area families have had to travel to the Twin Cities to bury their loved ones according to Muslim rituals.

Like some other religions, Islam requires specific burial rituals, including having a separate plot of land for a cemetery.

Islam requires a quick burial when possible, and without a nearby cemetery, that has been difficult.

Ismail Ali is chairman of the Somali Elders Council. He says the group is working with the Great River Interfaith Partnership and the Diocese of St. Cloud to find land to purchase for a cemetery.

Information from: St. Cloud Times, http://www.sctimes.com (Copyright 2008 by The Associated Press. All Rights Reserved.) APNP 06-15-08 1325CDT | save this article / add to your favorites list