Bashar Funeral Services is an independent family-run Muslim funeral service founded in 2008 by Abul Bashar and his wife Shazna Begum serving community of Newcastle and surrounding areas.
Having lost his father in 2003, Abul Bashar recognised that there was much need for a funeral service to cater for the the Muslim community and one that could provide a 24 hour personal service that could be carried out according Islamic tradition.
Abul commented, “Muslim families should have the option of a bespoke service similar to that of a conventional funeral director but one that fundamentally understands the faith and the rituals at the core of a Muslim burial”.
He added, “The washing ritual and going above and beyond to ensure a burial as soon as possible are a faith requirement; these things may be difficult to accommodate for a traditional funeral director”.
With a well-established and popular business, Abul and Shazna decided to make the next step and invest in a fleet of vehicles that would be a first for Muslim funerals.
“Our ambition has always been to give the very best, we deliver a bespoke service that meets every aspect of Muslim faith and tradition with the option of beautiful vehicles to carry out that special final journey for loved ones,” said Abul, “this is not usual and to my knowledge, we are the only Muslim funeral directors in the country with a specialist fleet”.
After researching and visiting various funeral vehicle suppliers, Abul contacted Greg Platt at Superior UK Automotive and a demo PilatoMercedes Polaris hearse was soon dispatched. “We were hooked on the Polaris from that first drive and knew we had found what we were looking for,” said Abul “the vehicle itself was just stunning and the level of service from first call to delivery was impeccable”.
Abul added, “I compared all the features – the build quality, the workmanship and the finish and we were very happy with our choice”.
Greg arranged a trip to Italy for Abul and Shazna to visit the Pilato factory where they were given a tour and saw their own Polaris hearse in production. “We enjoyed every aspect of the trip and the factory visit was first class,” said Abul “we discussed our options and were excited to order a matching PilatoMercedes Lyra limousine to match our Polaris hearse”.
The pair opted for a high spec mild-hybrid AMG line PilatoMercedes Polaris hearse in Selenite Grey complete with flashing grill lights, etched glass C-pillar, stitched cushioning, LED lighting throughout and a PA system for use at graveside ceremonies.
Abul commented, “The aesthetics of the hearse are on another level – the sleek sloping roof and high-quality appointments give it that wow factor – a million miles away from a traditional boxy hearse”. He added, “We are as delighted as the families who opt to use our beautiful vehicles”.
Greg Platt personally delivered both the Polaris hearse and later the Lyra Limousine and was welcomed on both occasions to join family and friends to celebrate the new arrivals. Greg commented, “It has been a true pleasure to help supply the Bashar’s with their ideal fleet – being treated like family whenever I visit is such a privilege”.
Abul and his family are now planning to find a larger premise where they can invest in broadening their offering to serve not only Muslim but also Hindu and Sikh communities with their dedicated and bespoke service.
Abul added, “The job we do is not for everyone – you need to have a strong will, a strong heart and truly want to go above and beyond to give families the best you can give – I feel that we were destined to do this God willing”.