ceremonies

Death and funeral

Each faith prepares the body with respect, prays for the one who has died and comforts those left behind, guided by its beliefs about what comes after death.

Islam

Ghusl, kafan, janazah

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happens

The body is washed (ghusl) by family members of the same sex, wrapped in plain white cloth (kafan), and the funeral prayer (janazah) is said standing. Burial is quick, ideally within a day, in the earth, lying on the right side facing the Qibla. Cremation is not permitted.

why

All are equal before Allah, so shrouds are simple. The soul returns to its Creator, and the body is treated gently because it is honoured.

origins

"Hasten with the funeral" (Bukhari 1315); the janazah prayer; Qur'an 20:55, "From it We created you, to it We return you".

Christianity

Funeral service; burial or cremation

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happens

Prayers, readings, hymns and a eulogy in church or at a crematorium, followed by burial or cremation. Catholics may hold a Requiem Mass; many hold a wake beforehand.

why

Christians hope in the resurrection: death is not the end but a passing to eternal life with God.

origins

"I am the resurrection and the life" (John 11:25), the opening words of the Book of Common Prayer burial service. The Catholic Church has allowed cremation since 1963.

Judaism

Burial and the chevra kadisha

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happens

The body is washed and dressed in a simple white shroud by a burial society (chevra kadisha), placed in a plain coffin and buried quickly, usually within a day. Mourners tear a garment (keriah). Cremation is traditionally forbidden.

why

Equality in death, respect for the body made in God's image, and returning to the earth.

origins

Deuteronomy 21:23 (burial the same day); tearing clothes from Genesis 37:34.

Hinduism

Antyeshti (last rites)

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happens

The body is washed, dressed and usually cremated within a day; the eldest son or a close relative lights the pyre. The ashes are scattered in a holy river, such as the Ganges. Young children and holy people are sometimes buried instead.

why

The soul (atman) is eternal and moves on; cremation releases it from the body. "As a person puts on new clothes, the soul takes on new bodies" (Bhagavad Gita 2:22).

origins

The last of the 16 samskaras; detailed in the Garuda Purana and regional traditions.

Buddhism

Funeral chanting and cremation

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happens

Monks chant teachings on impermanence; the family make offerings and dedicate merit to the one who has died. Cremation is most common.

why

Death is part of impermanence; good deeds and calm, wholesome thoughts at death help the next rebirth.

origins

The Buddha's own cremation, described in the Mahaparinibbana Sutta (Digha Nikaya 16).

Sikhism

Antam Sanskar

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happens

The body is washed, dressed with the five Ks and cremated. Kirtan Sohila (the night prayer) and Ardas are said, and the ashes are placed in flowing water. Excessive wailing is discouraged.

why

Death is the soul's return to God, so it is accepted as God's will (hukam). Memorials and headstones are discouraged.

origins

The Sikh Rehat Maryada; Kirtan Sohila is in the Guru Granth Sahib (angs 12–13).

customs

Wearing black or white

Black for mourning comes from Roman and European custom; white is the colour of mourning in much of South and East Asia.

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Burial facing Jerusalem or Makkah

Jewish and Muslim graves are often aligned towards the holiest place of the faith.

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Quick burial

In hot climates and by religious law in Judaism and Islam, burial usually takes place within a day.

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regional

Ghana

Funerals are major community events, sometimes weeks after death; in Ga communities, coffins may be carved in shapes that tell the person's life story.

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West Africa

Libations poured for ancestors at funerals in many traditional communities.

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