Bahá'í
About
One of the youngest of the world's major religions, Baháʼí originated in Iran and parts of the Middle East in the 19th century. Founded by Baháʼu'lláh, Bahá'í is unique in the way that it accepts all other faiths as true and valid.
Bahá'ís teach the essential worth of all religions and the unity of all people. They embrace the significance of Abraham, Moses, Zoroaster, the Buddha, Jesus and the Prophet Muhammad. Despite this, Baháʼí has faced ongoing persecution since its inception.
End of Life
The Baháʼí believe that death is a messenger of joy and not something to be fearful of. With this belief, they may die with the peace of mind that the spiritual qualities acquired throughout their life will accompany them into the next world. To the Baháʼí, the afterlife is a form of spiritual eternity for the soul to continue its journey, while the body is left behind and buried.
There are no formal last rites or clergy for the Bahá'í faith. At end of life, prayers may be offered by loved ones, and it is often acceptable for members of the clergy of other faiths to visit a dying Bahá’ís to offer readings from the Bahá’í Sacred Writings, the Bible, Koran, or other holy texts.
Removing life support must be decided by those legally responsible. In the case of imminent death where no family are available, a Bahá'í community member should be called upon. Once a Bahá'í dies, a ring is placed on their finger and should not be removed, even when the body is being cleaned and washed.
After Death
When a Baháʼí has died, they are treated with the utmost care to preserve the body. Embalming and cremation are forbidden. The body is washed carefully and wrapped in a shroud, and the funeral home can provide an appropriate location for this task. The burial takes place within a few days of death, and in Bahá'í law, it must be located within a one-hour distance from the place of death. If no Bahá'í cemetery is available, any other cemetery is acceptable.
Baha’i funerals are simple and dignified. The body is interred in a durable coffin and positioned in the grave with the deceased's feet pointing towards the Qihlih, the holy Shrine in Akká where the prophet, Baháʼu'lláh, is buried. As there is no clergy for the Baha’I faith, the service is usually led by the loved ones of the deceased in consultation with the local Baha’i community.
A Baha’i funeral service is seen as an opportunity for loved ones not just to grieve, but to help usher the deceased’s soul to the spiritual realm. The Prayer for the Dead is an obligatory prayer that must be recited in congregation by a fellow Baháʼí while all in attendance stand in silence. Lastly, the Baha’i emblem, the nine-pointed star, should be displayed on the gravestone.