The Burial Rites of Abrahamic Religions in the United Kingdom - Essay Example

Overview comments about the essay are below. Embedded comments [in bold and in brackets] are throughout the essay. Main Idea/Thesis: Right now, the thesis statement seems a bit incomplete since it appears to only be a claim. Please develop a thesis statement with both a claim and supporting points to help resolve this issue. In this essay the thesis statement appears to be “The three Abrahamic religions follow different burial rites depending on their religious practices.” This seems to be a claim, but there do not seem to be any supporting points. Content Development: Some of the points are not explained as thoroughly as they could be. Consider the questions “why?” and “how?” to add depth to the content and clarify points for readers. For example, you wrote “In Catholicism, there must be incorporation of the Holy Communion, Eucharist or a mass (Well Planned Funeral, 2009).” Why must these elements be present? How are they incorporated into the service? Grammar & Mechanics: This essay uses some passive voice, and this weakens statements. Using active voice will help prevent this. For example, you wrote “This is noted to all those who practice and those who do not.” Summary of Next Steps: Revise thesis statement Develop content by considering how and why Use active voice Table of Contents Table of Contents 1 Similarities and Differences in the Burial Rites of Abrahamic Religions in the UK Today 2 Introduction 2 Burial rites per religion 2 Christianity 3 Islam 5 Judaism 8 Comparison 10 Conclusion 16 Similarities and Differences in the Burial Rites of Abrahamic Religions in the UK Today Introduction Burial rites per religion Religion is regarded in today’s world to be the most important aspect of our society. Many religious organizations in the United Kingdom have depicted that religious practices have a vital role in a person’s life. This is evident among those who currently practice and those who do not. In the UK today, there are many religious practices. However, among them are the three most popular religions. Christianity, Islam and Judaism, which have billions of followers (Lumpcik, 2010). It is important to note that in the UK, burial is considered to be very sensitive across most religious beliefs. Most religions have got various rites when it comes to burial. The three Abrahamic religions currently follow different burial rites depending on their religious practices. This paper intends to discuss the overall and detailed burial rites for the three Abrahamic religions. This is due to the evidences on the disparities in their religious burial practices in UK despite originating from same ancestral origin. Christianity Christianity is the world’s largest religion with an estimation of 1.2 to 1.5 billion followers (Well Planned Funeral, 2009). This religion has been very prominent and has also undergone many revolutions aiming at restructuring the religious practice. In the UK, it is estimated that there are over 200 Christian denominations which have their own rituals as far as funerals are concerned. Not all churches have similar funeral rituals. Notable to state is that despite the denomination, the Christian faith dictated by the bible is commonly practiced in all denominations (Techner, 2007). This is because they all believe in the teachings of Jesus and follow the same bible. In Christianity, the funeral beliefs is normally underpinned and overruled by the fact that Christians believe in resurrection. Moreover, the teachings of Christianity also assure believers that there is eternal life for all human souls that die following the teachings of Jesus Christ (Well Planned Funeral, 2009). The main objective in a Christian funeral reflects the fact that funerals are a celebration of a winner who will live eternally (Danals, 2007). The Christian funeral must be accompanied by a special service. This is conducted by the local church where the deceased went to or family belongs to. The service is meant to offer final prayers for the deceased. During the special service, there must be biblical readings, singing of hymns and prayers for the deceased and family (Weaver, 2008). In Catholicism, there must be incorporation of the Holy Communion, Eucharist or a mass (Well Planned Funeral, 2009). The Holy Communion symbolized a union thanks giving for the victory of the deceased who is in paradise with God. It demonstrates unity and hope among the people left behind and that is why they all share the Holy Communion. This is the planned send-off service for the Catholic denomination. During the special service, there is also the reading of the biography of the deceased (Lehman, 2001). This is a condition for all Christian special funeral services. The service is also aimed at showing faithfulness and giving thanks to God. In Christianity, the final special service is accompanied by confession of sin. This is an opportunity that allows people to repent and renew their relationship with God. When people gather for the service, it is a good opportunity for non-Christians in attendance to hear the religious beliefs and perceive the evidence. This activity supersedes the sermon where the preacher’s objective is to remind Christians to be ready for God at all times. After the service and prayers, the body is carried to the grave. The Christian religion also does allow cremation of dead bodies if burial is impossible or when the family or person decides. Cremation is exposure of the dead body to high temperatures until it turns into ash (Cartered, 2011). Body cremation can take place, although the holy Bible neither supports nor forbids it (Cartered, 2011). However, most Christian denomination in UK do not approve cremation because human body is considered to be Gods temple and it is believed that one day the body will resurrect when Jesus comes during end of time. Moreover, in Christianity, the term “funeral” is always employed when the body of the deceased is present. The religion allows daily religious services until the body is laid to rest. It is at these sessions when the gospel is preached to people since everybody is aware that death is a reality. This is the time when planning of the burial takes place. Alternatively, the term memorial service is used in cases where the body is not present, after burial or cremation (Well Planned Funeral, 2009). The other characteristic of Christian burial is that people always wear dark or black clothing. The dark clothes act as symbols which reveal sadness and unhappy mood. The Many Christian funerals are spotted by the tendency of mourners wearing dark clothes. Islam Islam, much like Christianity is another religion with many followers. It is estimated that Islam has approximately 1.5 billion followers worldwide (Well Planned Funeral, 2009). The religion originated in 600AD with teachings from the Prophet Mohammed (Well Planned Funeral, 2009). The word Islam means surrendering oneself to God (Well Planned Funeral, 2009). The Islamic religion revolves around the holy book known as the Holy Quran, which is believed to be given to the final Prophet Mohamed by God. When it comes to burial customs, Muslims of the UK believe that the soul leaves the body once the person dies. According to their belief, dead bodies should not stay long above ground. The body is buried immediately within 24 hours (Well Planned Funeral, 2009). This is because the body when dead and lifeless is seen as empty store since the person is already in paradise with God. Moreover, Islamic teachings depict that death is not the end of life. Once one dies, it marks only the end of life on earth. Life on earth according to Islam is said to be a precursor and a gateway to attain eternal life in paradise (Well Planned Funeral, 2009). That is why in Muslim funerals, it is celebrated and symbolizes transition from one life to eternal life in heaven (Well Planned Funeral, 2009). Before someone is pronounced dead, Muslims have a special way of determining and confirming death. After the death of a Muslim, Islamic strongly forbids excessive mourning and weeping of relatives of the deceased. Mourners are always encouraged to stay calm during the entire mourning and burial period. The weeping portrays a negative signal that is believed to prophesy bad luck to the deceased. It is strictly prohibited simply because Muslims believe when one dies the soul goes to celebrate in paradise. That is why people should not weep. The Islamic burial ritual is the shortest in the UK. Once a Muslim dies, prayers will be conducted for the dead and then burial will follow. In cases where cause of death is unknown or autopsies have to be carried out, the religion has clear guidelines for that. Any autopsy must be conducted with regards and respect given to the dead person. Islam authorizes people to always close the eyelids of a dead person. The eyes should be closed immediately after the person dies. It is believed that closing the eye prevents the dead fro seeing the earth and its inhabitants rather than being in paradise. The eye is the gateway connecting the earth and the soul. It should be closed (Well Planned Funeral, 2009). This is followed by covering of the body with a clean white sheet as the burial preparation follows (Well Planned Funeral, 2009). In preparation for the burial, the body must be washed well by the family or community members. This is then followed by enshrouding with a clean piece of cloth known as the Kafan (Well Planned Funeral, 2009). The significance of the white Kafan is purity. When a Muslim dies, the religion clearly states that if the person was following Islam the person will go to paradise immediately. The white cloths symbolized a body of a Muslim in paradise. It should be noted that there is only one type of Kafan which costs the same price globally. This ensures that the rich and the poor are buried in a similar manner and same costs. This shows that there is no paradise for rich or poor. Every Muslim is same before the eyes of God. That is why all burials of Muslims cost the same. After this, the body is carried to the burial site where the funeral prayers will be conducted by a prayer leader or an Imam (Well Planned Funeral, 2009). These prayers are more conducted outdoor and not inside the mosque. The community members are also supposed to attend any funeral occurring in their area. During the prayers, the prayer leader is supposed to stand before the deceased and should face away from mourners (Well Planned Funeral, 2009). In the UK, the grave digging is always done in a special graveyard designated for that purpose. This graveyard is called Kabri (Gire, 2002). It is strictly meant for Muslims and followers of other religions are not allowed to be buried there. The grave is dug six hours before burial takes place and is not always very deep, it is always two meters deep. Moreover, the grave is dug with the head side of the deceased facing Mecca. Mecca is the holy land where God gave Mohamed the holy book, the Quran. There are no cross or tombstones which are allowed. Cementing of Muslims graves in the UK is strictly forbidden in Islam. This signifies equality in death for all since rich Muslims will have expensively designed graves while the poor have nothing. To make it equal, no one is allowed to cement. The burial process and the grave digging should always be considered to be very simple and cost effective. In addition to this, religious leaders like Islamic Sheikhs and Maalim in the UK who always conduct the Friday prayers are always buried in a special ground. Most prominent Sheikhs and preachers are always buried within the mosques specially designated Kabri. The other essential requirement is that only males are supposed to attend the session when the body is being laid to the grave. However, everybody is welcomed to attend the burial prayers (Gire, 2002). Furthermore, the grave must be dug by males only. The females are prohibited since due to their weakness in nature might be tempted to weep. Weeping for the dead is strictly forbidden by the religion since it is considered a bad wish for the deceased. The grave should also be dug with the head of the deceased laid facing Mecca. The body is buried without a coffin and the deceased should be laid down on his or her right side (Well Planned Funeral, 2009). Notable to mention is that in Islam it strictly discourages the use of tombstones, elaborate memorials and even flowers on graves (Well Planned Funeral, 2009). Islam encourages mourners to always pray and remember the deceased through this (Religion facts, 2004). In Islam, mourning occurs for exactly three days. This is characterized by frequent visitation, intensified devotion and condolences (Well Planned Funeral, 2009). The bereaved family members are supposed to strictly avoid wearing jewellery and ostentatious clothing (Well Planned Funeral, 2009). This allows the shortest time for remembering the dead and overcoming the grief. Prolonging the mourning period will definitely elongate the memories and taker longer for the family to overcome the grief. Widows are encouraged to have an extended mourning period which is popularly known as Idda. Idda is permitted to even last for four months and 10 days (Well Planned Funeral, 2009). During the Idda period, the widow is strictly discouraged from marrying again or wearing decorative clothing (Well Planned Funeral, 2009). This is a special attribute to the deceased husband and a sign of gone true love which only death has separated. Remarrying immediately would demonstrate weak love between the widow and the deceased husband. Judaism Judaism in the UK is a covenantal relationship between the children of Israel who are currently known as Jews and God (Well Planned Funeral, 2009). It is one of the oldest religions which is also referred to as a monotheistic religion (Well Planned Funeral, 2009). At present, there are many Jewish people in the UK that still practice their religion. The Jewish burial or funeral is always carried out exactly 24 hours after death. However, this is not compulsory. There is exemption to those with families that must travel long distance to attend to the burial (Well Planned Funeral, 2009). In such cases, burial dates can be prolonged to allow the arrival of distant family members. This is because everybody who is able must participate in the burial ceremony since it is a community religious occasion. In Jewish customs, the local synagogue has a vital role whenever someone dies. They work on organizing the burial. Moreover, the local synagogue can also make arrangements with Chevra Kaddisha; a burial society whose work is to prepare the body for burial (Well Planned Funeral, 2009). Moreover, the society also carries out the role of guarding the body until the interment day. The Jewish burial process in the UK is strictly governed and carried out following established traditions and rituals (Well Planned Funeral, 2009). The burial rituals target the relatives of the deceased more including parents, spouse and children. Notable to mention is that even before the burial, Kerias is performed (Well Planned Funeral, 2009). This is the tearing of immediate relative’s clothing to symbolize loss caused by death of beloved ones (Well Planned Funeral, 2009). Keriah is always performed at the Jewish cemetery and is usually done before the start of the funeral. This is the final prayer and blessing of the new home of the deceased who is expected to live there until resurrection day. During the funeral, there must be recital of the psalms, which is always done by a religious leader, Rabbi. After the recital of Psalm, oration or Hesped is delivered (Well Planned Funeral, 2009). After the delivery, there must be a memorial prayer called the Kaddish, which must be said before burial (Well Planned Funeral, 2009). In addition to this, after the Kaddish memorial prayer is said, the male members of the Chevra Kaddisha pick the casket and take it for burial (Well Planned Funeral, 2009). It is noted that females do not engage in the burial process. It is only conducted by the males from the family or members of the funeral service. This is because the females are considered weaker sex and would be overcome with emotions and grief when near the casket. Other mourners will follow the casket and watch from a distance. According to Judaism, traditionally Jews are only allowed to be buried in a simple pine coffin. The burial should also take place inside a simple white shroud commonly known as Tachrichim (Well Planned Funeral, 2009). The white cloth wrapped on the deceased symbolized victory in entering the paradise. Since the soul is in paradise, the holiness of the paradise is shown on the body by covering with white shroud. After the burial, it is required that everybody involved wash their hands. This is a symbolic exercise to show the end of the burial and participation by everybody who washes their hands. All the mourners are thereafter required to return home. Bereaved families and relatives must sit Shiva and receive visitors precisely at the start of a year’s official mourning (Well Planned Funeral, 2009). Comparison Jewish burial rites pose much disparity than similarities with the other Abrahamic religions. Jewish customs openly show direct disparities between sinners and those who strictly follow religious rules (Well Planned Funeral, 2009). To verify this factor, they have a special strategy used to identify whether the person had been following religious rules or not. They believe that every action the person was doing when alive guarantees and predicts life after death. In Judaism, it is believed that after death, one passes through a narrow bridge (Well Planned Funeral, 2009). Righteous people who have been following religious teachings will cross over without difficulties (Well Planned Funeral, 2009). Those who are sinners are thrown down once they reach that narrow bridge. In regard to the belief of after life, Jews also believe that there is no god or person who declares one’s status or makes decisions after death. Judaism is very unique in comparison to other Abrahamic religions in handling the dead. Jews believe that if someone moves the arm of a dying person, the action shortens the lifespan of that person (Well Planned Funeral, 2009). This is known as the Talmud belief. The other belief is that prolonging life using modern technology is strictly forbidden. Jews believe that it is only God who gives and takes away life. Therefore, when one is hospitalized for a very long time and is suffering much, they prefer to let the person rest and die in peace (Malki, 2012). In all the three religions, it is clear that burials in the UK are held with an objective of celebrating and honoring life of the deceased (The Argen Times, 2014). In addition, the other similarities among the three Abrahamic religions is the fact that burial practices also recognize the importance of grieving. Parallel to each other, Christianity, Islam and Judaism do allow the bereaved to conduct mourning for the deceased loved ones. This aims at ensuring that everybody finally accepts the fact that they have lost and acknowledges the reality of death (The Argen Times, 2014). To add to this, it also allows other people to visit, share in mourning and comfort bereaved family. When critically scrutinizing the three Abrahamic religions, it is prudent to openly declare that they all believe that death is real and burial must be conducted following religious teachings. They also all believe in one deity that receives the dead soul (Khan, 1992). The three Abrahamic religions also believe in life after death, depending on the person’s good and bad deeds. This is a strong similarity which is common in Christianity, Islam and Judaism (Malki, 2012). The other similarity exhibited in the UK is the covering of the dead body with cloths. It is clear that the three Abrahamic religion exercise covering their dead with clean cloths. No dead person is buried without being covered with a clean cloth. The clean cloth always symbolizes new life and body acquired after death. Muslims, Christians and Jewish followers always bury their dead in a fresh dug grave. They have a specially designated graveyard where burial takes place. It is known that there is no cremation of the deceased, which is a strong similarity that is witnessed across the three religions. It should be noted that in the UK amongst the three religions, the deceased person is never buried immediately after death. Based on the cause of death, the body must be declared lifeless. The body is then taken to a special place where it is kept. This is the place where the body will be cleaned and covered with clean cloths. The most important rite is washing and cleaning of the dead body. Among the three Abrahamic religions, no dead body is buried without being properly cleaned. The cleaning is also done in a special way. Not everybody is allowed to clean the dead body. Religious leaders in the locality and immediate family members of the deceased are tasked with the cleaning and clothing of the dead. Another similarity between the three Abrahamic religions is that they all strictly follow burial rites given to them by God through Moses. This is strictly stated in the covenant that was introduced by Abraham into the Palestine area (Khan, 1992). According to these rites, no dead body is supposed to be buried at night. In the UK, among Christians, Muslims and Jews, the burial is always conducted in broad daylight. This is a common similarity that is actively practiced in the UK. Furthermore, it is the responsibility of the entire community to bury the dead. Everybody within the locality of the deceased is expected to attend and participate in the burial process. This includes digging of the grave and comforting the deceased family. During the burial time, everybody is also expected to be present and witness the process. In the UK, most funeral customs and practices do vary depending on the individual’s faith and religious believes (The Argen Times, 2014). Although most of the burial practices are conducted with a similar purpose in the three Abrahamic religions, it can be seen that the way they are conducted is very different. Based on an individual’s religion and culture, there are various disparities in the burial rites and tradition. For example, in Christianity, burial time differs completely with Islam and Judaism (Torres, 2012). This is because Christianity allows a week of mourning before burial takes place. During this time, there are various activities which are exhibited. The most different burial rites seen in the three Abrahamic religions is the application of burial activities. Christians in the UK always conduct their burial services in a church. It is here where people are also allowed to comfort the family of the deceased. The body is then transported in a vehicle called a hearse to the graveyard for burial. This is contrary to a Muslim and Jewish burial. This is because in Islam and Judaism, the body is always carried by people not vehicles to the burial sites. It is at the burial site; the Kabri, where the final prayer of the deceased is done. The other difference exhibited in the three Abrahamic religions is the designated burial site for the deceased. In Islam, if someone dies far from home, other Muslims of that place will arrange and bury the dead person (The Argen Times, 2014). The family of the deceased will be informed of the death. In Christianity, it is most likely that the dead person will be transported to the family. Family members have the last decision on the burial site for their deceased (The Argen Times, 2014). At such a time there is the coming together of those in mourning (The Argen Times, 2014). This gathering is composed of family, friends and relatives of the deceased. Sermons and preaches also take place during the mourning period. This is also experienced with personal readings, prayers, reflection and committal (The Argen Times, 2014). Nowadays in the UK, many Christians choose the option of cremating the body or having a green burial (The Argen Times, 2014). Cremation is a type of burial where the whole body is reduced to natural elements by subjecting it to very high temperatures (The Argen Times, 2014). A green burial is where the deceased is placed into an eco-friendly casket which will decompose slowly over time (The Argen Times, 2014). The bible does not forbid nor support cremation and green burial (The Argen Times, 2014). This is contrary to what Muslims and Jews practice. They strictly follow Abrahamic religious practices (The Argen Times, 2014). This is because the Abrahamic religion supports a proper burial process. Contrary to Christianity, the Jewish culture of the UK forbids citizens in keeping the body for longer than necessary. For the Jews, two days after death is when a person should be buried. Jewish religion also forbids cremation of the body. They encourage the body to undergo a free natural decomposing process (The Argen Times, 2014). Furthermore, unlike Christianity, Judaism and Islam strongly prohibit the laying of embalms, and their burial are kept very simple without flowering or beautifying (The Argen Times, 2014). The clear difference that can be seen between Christianity, Islam and Judaism in the UK is the way the corpse is treated before burial. It is explained that the Jewish religion strictly encourages people to wash the body of the dead and wrap it in a shroud (Judaism-Islam, 2013). This must be done before burial day, but not so immediately after death occurs. For Islamic religion, it is compulsory that immediately after a Muslim dies, the body must be washed and covered with clean white sheets (Judaism-Islam, 2013). In Christianity, when a person dies, there is no hurry. The body is taken to the mortuary for preservation. Post mortem may be conducted by pathologists upon the request of the family. The body will thereafter be preserved in the mortuary during the burial preparation period. On the burial day early in the morning, the body will be washed well and covered with new clothes and shoes (Hebrewsufi, 2013). Males are clothed with most likely a suit and females in a white gown. Perfumes are used to keep off the smell of the chemicals used in the mortuary during preservation. Another difference is the practice of viewing the body before burial. Islam does not allow viewing of the body before burial (Hebrewsufi, 2013). Once the body is covered, no one else is supposed to view it. The body is buried direct. In fact, it is only the males who are even supposed to see the grave and witness the body descending. Females are prohibited to go near the burial site. Similarly, in Judaism people are also prohibited from viewing the body before burial. This is a command from their religion. Christianity on the other hand has no boundary. During the last special service, people are allowed to come and view the body just before burial (Hebrewsufi, 2013). This is acceptable and is practiced by Christians globally. Furthermore, in Christianity viewing the dead body is symbolic as a measure of ensuring and accepting that their loved one is gone and will never come back again. Religiously, it also makes people change their ways and turn to God knowing that when they die, they will go to heaven. Body viewing also makes people more aware of death and the reality of it (Religion facts, 2004). Another slight difference in burial practices is the fact that Muslims bury their dead with the head facing Mecca (Judaism-Islam, 2013). Judaism also demands that graves must be dug with the head of the dead facing Jerusalem. However, for Christians, this is not the case. The grave is dug depending on the available space and considers the sunrise and sunset. The burial is conducted symbolically following the sunrise and sunset. The head of the person should face the west. This symbolically means that when the person was born, the sun rose and life symbolizes brightness of the sun. When death occurs, it means that the sun has set and darkness falls (Judaism-Islam, 2013). Beautification of burial services in UK is only accepted in Christianity. People are allowed to come with flowers and cover the coffin with beautiful white nets. Moreover, people are also allowed to buy coffins that are very special and beautiful. Photographs can also be taken with people and family standing by the coffin. Islamic and Judaism prohibit this beautification of the burial ceremony (Judaism-Islam, 2013). Conclusion Following this broad discussion, it is clear that the three Abrahamic religions do share similarities in most practices and also differ on some. This can be seen in the differences they have in the ways in which they conduct their burials. Their common ancestral origin perhaps has a large part to play in the similarities of their burial rites. It should not be taken for granted that the common birth place of the three religions happened coincidentally. The fact that the three religions share a common founder is critical, and this confirms that they have common ancestral homeland and practices (Khan, 1992). The ancient areas of the near East which was previously composed of the Palestine area, the Sinai and Arabian Peninsula are the current modern day turkey and Greece (Religious tolerance, 2002). This is the birthplace of the three Abrahamic religions (Religious tolerance, 2002). From the above discussion, it is evident that burial is a sensitive process and that every community has got their own rites depending on the religion they belong to. Despite having the same ancestral origin, they still exhibit a wide range of differences in regards to burial rites and religious practices. References Abu, A. B., 2012. Islam Burial Rituals and Practices. Accessed on April 3, 2014, from http://studentwebs.coloradocollege.edu/~l_jenkins/islam.htm. Anderson, Herbert, and Edward F., 1998. Mighty Stories, Dangerous Rituals: Weaving Together the Human and the Divine. Jossey-Bass: San Francisco, 1, 23. Cartered, M., 2011. Cultural Aspect of Death and Dying. Accessed on April 3, 2014, from http://www.dimensionsofculture.com/2010/11/cultural-aspects-of-death-and-dying/ Chinese-school, 2013. Judaism, Christianity and Islam Similarities. Accessed on April 3, 2014, from http://chinese-school.netfirms.com/Judaism-Christianity-Islam.html. Danals, C., 2007. Funeral Services. Abingdon Press, 1, 4. Gire, J. T., 2002. How Death Imitates Life: Cultural Influences on Conceptions of Death and Dying. The University of Washington, 1, 234. Hebrewsufi, 2013. Similarities-Children of Abraham. Accessed on April 3, 2014, from https://www.google.com/search?q=Similarities+and+differences+in+burial+traditions+be tween+Islam%2C+Christianity+and+Jewish+religion&ie=utf-8&oe=utf- 8&client=ubuntu&channel=fs Judaism-Islam, 2013. Similarities between Judaism and Islam. Accessed on April 3, 2014, from http://www.judaism-islam.com/smilarities-between-judaism-and-islam/ Khan, A., 1992. Judaism, Christianity and Islam: a common Tradition. The review of religions. 1: 12 http://www.alislam.org/library/links/00000129.html. Lehman, V., 2001. The Pastor’s Guide to Weddings and Funerals. Valley Forge, PA: Judson Press, 1, 456. Lobar, S., Youngblut, J., & Brooten, D., 2006. Cross-Cultural Beliefs, Ceremonies, and Rituals Surrounding Death of a Loved One. Pediatr Nurs., 32, 1, 44-50. Lumpcik, M., 2010. Commonalities of Christianity, Judaism and Islam. Accessed on April 3, 2014 from http://voices.yahoo.com/commonalities-christianity-judaism-islam- 6756144.html. Malki, D., 2012. Rituals of Death and Burial: a Christian-Jewish-Muslim Comparative trialogue. Accessed on April 3, 2014, from http://www.examiner.com/article/rituals-of- death-and-burial-a-christian-jewish-muslim-comparative-trialogue. Religion facts, 2004. Comparison of Christianity and Judaism. Accessed on April 3, 2014, from http://www.religionfacts.com/christianity/charts/christianity_judaism.htm. Religious tolerance, 2002. Cremation vs. Burial: Jewish & Christian Beliefs. Accessed on April 3, 2014, from http://www.religioustolerance.org/crematio.html Techner, D., 2007. The Jewish Funeral–A Celebration of Life. Accessed on April 3, 2014, from http://www.biomed.lib.umn.edu/hw/jewish.html. The Argen Times, 2014. Funeral Practice in Different Religions. Accessed on April 3, 2014, from http://www.theargentimes.com/archives/54. Torres, M., 2012. Differences and Similarities between Christianity, Islam and Judaism. Accessed on April 3, 2014, from http://www.google.com/url?sa=t&rct=j&q=&esrc=s&source=web&cd=7&cad=rja&uact =8&ved=0CGIQFjAG&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.cse.edu%2FdotAsset%2F6fb5e330- f136-4120-8641-1220e48fc7ce.ukn&ei=MHM- U4TGOsbZtAaavoGwCA&usg=AFQjCNEcEc6BRs- 3dzETcR5BTB5m6wO_lw&sig2=9qApEswLXvEPr69_tAWa3g&bvm=bv.64125504,d. Yms. Weaver, J., 2008. Rites and Rituals: Baptism, Eucharist, Wedding and Funerals. United Theology seminary, 651, 255, 6135. Well Planned Funeral, 2009. Beliefs and Funeral Customs. Accessed on 3 April, 2014, from www.thewellplannedfuneral.com/types-of-funeral/beliefs/ Read More