Death rituals differ across the different religions of the world. By delving into them, we can find common ground in our shared experiences of grief and loss.
This understanding can foster empathy, respect, and a deeper appreciation for the diverse ways people honor their loved ones.
Hindu Death Rituals 
In the Hindu religion, bodies are typically cremated within a day of passing. The ashes are then dispersed in sacred water or a meaningful location. Ten days later, a ceremony is conducted to release the deceased’s soul, allowing it to ascend to the heavens.
Buddhist Death Rituals
Buddhists view life as a continuous cycle of suffering and reincarnation. Their ultimate aim is to attain nirvana, the state of liberation from suffering.
Buddhism doesn’t dictate specific death or funeral rituals.
Buddhists typically adhere to the prevailing customs of their region. This can include cremation, water burial, or traditional ground burial.
One famous form of Buddhist death ritual is the Tibetan Sky Burial (or Bird Scattering). In this practice, the deceased is placed on a mountaintop to be consumed by birds of prey and other scavengers.
Islamic Death Rituals
Muslim tradition forbids cremation. After death, the body is promptly prepared for burial without a viewing. It is wrapped in white sheets and taken to the mosque for the funeral service.
Community members offer prayers in a designated prayer room or the 
mosque’s courtyard. Elaborate grave markers or decorations are generally discouraged.
Jewish Death Rituals
In Judaism, cremation is not permitted. Bodies must remain undisturbed for a minimum of 20 minutes following death, and funerals are typically held within a day.
Bodies are to be buried in plain, white clothing without any symbols or decorations. Similar to their tradition of washing newborns, the deceased are also cleansed before burial.
Christian Death Rituals
Christian funeral practices vary widely between different denominations and around the
world. The Catholic death ritual consists of the wake, funeral mass, and committal. Other denominations in their own ways may officiate funeral services where prayers are said, hymns are sung, and the life of the deceased is celebrated.
