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Baha'i
The Baha'i faith, an independent world religion, is the second most widely spread after Christianity. Bah'i view life on earth as a preparation for life in the next world.
While there are relatively few regulations regarding the funeral service, there are important Baha'i laws concerning the treatment and interment of the remains. First, embalming is prohibited unless required by law. Secondly, interment must take place within one hour's travel time from the city or town where death occurs. Thirdly, the Baha'i must not be cremated. The Baha'i member is free to donate his or her body or organs for medical research as long as it is treated with respect and the burial laws are strictly adhered to.
The remains of Baha'is from Iran and other Middle East countries must be washed carefully and wrapped in a shroud of white silk or cotton. A Baha'i burial ring is to be placed on the finger and the remains placed in a casket made of fine hardwood. The remains must be buried with the feet pointed toward the Holy Land. Baha'is from other parts of the world may choose to follow these requirements but are under no obligation to do so.
Baha'i funeral services are simple and dignified. Their main focus is on commemorating the spiritual contributions the deceased has rendered. They consist primarily of prayers and other appropriate readings from the Baha'i Sacred Scriptures. There may be music, eulogy, whatever the family desires. The only requirement is that a "Prayer for the Dead" be given.
As there are no clergy in the Baha'i faith, the service is conducted by family or members of the local Baha'i community. It may take place either in a Baha'i chapel or at graveside. If held in the chapel the casket may be opened or closed. It is considered appropriate to send flowers and make memorial donations.
Baha'is often choose to have additional memorial services planned by relatives of the deceased or the Baha'i communities. Such gatherings usually consist of prayers and readings from the Sacred Scriptures.
Many local Baha'i communities in various parts of the world own cemeteries or sections of larger cemeteries. In Canada, the Baha'i use cemetery facilities, which are not restricted by race, religion or nationality.
The Baha'i place headstones or markers on the grave. Appropriate symbols for the grave marker include the nine-pointed star, the word Baha'i, or a nine-pointed star or rosette with the word Baha'i in the center. Wording on the gravestone is left to the discretion of the deceased's relatives. For example, any appropriate quote from Baha'i writings may be used.
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