In other countries undertaking is a business carried on just like any other commercial activity. Those who are undertakers are issued with the necessary licenses and permits. They know many things that most of us are either unaware of or do not want to know.
Here in this country we do not have this business. The reason may be found in the prevailing social customs and traditions that prevent the business from flourishing.
If we had this business, we would be spared a great deal of trouble — especially the difficulties and inconveniences faced by the sponsors of foreign workers who die in the Kingdom.
The sponsors and families of the deceased are subjected to unnecessary delays and many hardships when seeking to send the body home to be buried.
One unique arrangement — which is only in this country — is to await approval from the deceased’s family that they will accept the body upon arrival. The body is shipped only after the national carrier, Saudi Arabian Airlines, has received confirmation that the family will be there to receive it.
I know an English undertaker who used to visit the Saudi Embassy in London. He always greeted us by saying: “We meet again, unfortunately.”
It is true undertakers meet people at unfortunate times but the job they do is of great benefit to those who need to be sure that every detail is taken care of. I do not think this particular business contradicts our religious teachings.
In fact, there may be some here who would think of becoming undertakers. It would certainly be a great relief to many, especially non-Saudis.
16 October 2002
