What is “Khairat Kematian,” and how is Ouch! inspired by this community’s pure efforts to ease the burden of grieving families?
The Malay proverb “Berat sama dipikul, ringan sama dijinjing” encapsulates the spirit of the Malay Muslim community, particularly in Malaysia. Aligned with Islamic teachings, this culture resonates with the concept of ta’awun—mutual assistance for the greater good.
A collaborative culture, also known as gotong-royong, is deeply rooted in society, evident in activities such as rewang during weddings, grave cleaning before Ramadan, neighbourhood patrols, managing village mosques, overseeing the khairat kematian fund, and various other initiatives.
This collaborative culture not only lightens heavy workloads but also strengthens the bonds of camaraderie within the community. In times of bereavement, the community rallies to offer financial contributions and emotional support to alleviate the grief of the bereaved.
The Khairat Kematian Fund is a product of this cooperative system. It represents the collaborative effort of the Islamic community in a specific area or congregation to collect contributions at a specified amount. In the event of a member’s passing, the death benefits fund is used to manage the deceased member’s burial costs. Contributing to this fund simplifies the funeral management process, sparing grieving family members from immediate financial burdens.
History of Khairat Kematian (Death Benefits)
According to a paper titled Sejarah Penubuhan Khairat Kematian the concept of death benefits has existed in the Malay world since as early as 1926. In 1926, an organization named Persekutuan al-ikhwan al-masakin was formed due to the initiative of Malays at the time. Generally, Khairat Kematian functions as a community welfare organization established to assist members and safeguard their well-being in the event of a family member’s death. At that time, funds for death benefits were obtained through the collection of death benefit fees paid by members every month, ranging from 10 to 30 cents per month.
How much does today’s Khairat Kematian cost?
One significant reason for establishing the death benefits fund is the increasing cost of funerals from year to year, although there is no specific official data on the total cost of Islamic burials. The Selangor Islamic Religious Department (JAIS) also states that there is no specific regulation regarding burial costs because operations are managed independently by non-governmental organizations or local mosques.
Based on the search, burial costs vary depending on the mosque or surau managing the Death Benefits Fund. For example:
- Wilayah Mosque, Kuala Lumpur, displays burial costs of RM1100.
- Puncak Alam Mosque, Selangor, sets the burial management fee at RM1500.
- Al Khairiyah Mosque, Gombak, Kuala Lumpur, establishes a fee of RM1,300.00.
- Al Falah Mosque, Bukit Rambai Melaka, sets prices at RM650 (congregants) and RM850 (non-congregants).
- Sarawak State Mosque displays prices of up to RM1375, depending on the day of death and specific needs.
When some question the high expenses, issues arise regarding burial costs, making it difficult for low-income families to manage funeral affairs. Aspects to consider in burial management include bathing, shrouding, funeral prayers, and the preparation of the gravesite.
Therefore, the benefit of being a member of the Khairat Kematian Fund is the ease and speed of managing funeral affairs. Committee members of the mosque/surau are ready to assist with bathing, prayers, and burial. Expediting the burial of a Muslim is highly encouraged in Islam.
Aside from local mosques or surau, corporate bodies, cooperatives, or financial institutions also offer death benefit schemes to their members or customers. However, the payment claim process takes time, depending on the procedures of the respective organisations.
Receive Compassionate Benefits within 24 hours
When planning the first product, Ouch! Pusara Pro placed significant importance on how this takaful plan could alleviate the burden of beneficiaries (the bereaved) when receiving news of the death of a loved one.
Not only that, the sum can be paid quickly, within 24 hours, after the relevant documents are submitted. In addition to covering burial expenses, this amount can be used to fund living expenses for a temporary period while receiving death benefits claims.
| Pusara Pro Covers | |||
| Description | Benefit | Amount | |
| Max | Max | ||
| Death Benefit | 100% of the Sum Covered | RM50k | RM500k |
| Compassionate Benefit | 10% of the Sum Covered Payable within 24 hours from the receipt of information or documents as stated in the Takaful Certificate. | RM5k | RM50k |
Death is an unavoidable reality, be it sooner or later. However, it is crucial to make thorough preparations for the journey to the hereafter. Undertaking the task of providing for heirs or loved ones is not only noble but also a significant responsibility.