Great Mosque of Lyon faces backlash over 75 euro funeral prayer fee

Beginning on September 1, 2026, the Great Mosque of Lyon will introduce a fixed contribution of 75 euros for facilitating funeral prayer ceremonies within its facilities. This move, conveyed in a memo to Muslim funeral service providers, has stirred strong reactions among segments of the community.

The mosque clarifies in its note that the fee is meant to cover «costs associated with staff mobilization, facility maintenance, and service provisions for families». Details regarding payment procedures will be communicated to the relevant agencies in the coming weeks.

Statement

Opposing a financial contribution for funeral prayers

The Great Mosque of Lyon announced on June 30 the imposition of a €75 fee for conducting the funeral prayer (Salat al-Janaza) on its premises. @MizaneInfo @nouvelleaubefr @DeMosquee pic.twitter.com/VfpJ7L0rwI

— UFCM (@UFCM_) July 13, 2026

On Sunday, the French Union of Muslim Consumers (UFCM) criticized what it termed a «double burden on grieving families», asserting that families are now facing extra costs alongside already substantial funeral expenses. The association condemned what it sees as the «commercialization of Muslim worship», emphasizing that the funeral prayer should remain a spiritual act based on solidarity and offered without charge. It urged religious institutions to uphold the «spirit of selfless fraternity» that, in its view, should characterize this sacred service.

Responding to the outcry, the Great Mosque of Lyon released a statement on Monday assuring that Salat al-Janaza will continue to be «entirely free of charge» and «never subject to payment». Rector Kamel Kabtane emphasized that the 75-euro fee is not for the religious act itself, but solely to cover organizational expenses: administrative management, staff involvement, maintaining the premises, cleaning, security, and welcoming of families.