Cremation and Religious Beliefs

Faith often plays an essential role in grieving, accepting, and healing after the trauma of losing a loved one. For those who practice an organized religion, following certain traditions and ceremonies for marking this monumental occasion can be incredibly important – both as a way to honor the deceased and as a way for the surrounding community to become involved in the family’s experience of loss.

Every culture has developed certain approaches to burial, and some have strict rules and expectations for dealing with death. Many of these guidelines are rooted in ancient texts. However, some religions have adapted their beliefs over the years to help accommodate modern burial trends and limitations.

Before you assume that cremation is forbidden in your religion, be sure to tune in with the current beliefs surrounding this practice, as some groups have become more flexible in recent generations. Also, certain sects may vary within the same religious group. Here’s a brief summary of cremation practices for five of the largest religious traditions found around the world.

Judaism

In Judaism, it is believed that the body and soul will be reunited, which is why cremation is strictly prohibited. However, there is some variation found within Judaism. For example, while Orthodox Jews strictly prohibit cremation, Reform Jews have become slightly more accepting of the practice.

Some Reform rabbis will be willing to perform a funeral and preside over the interment of cremation urns for ashes, whereas it is extremely uncommon for an Orthodox rabbi to do so.

Islam

Because it is expected for the body to be treated with respect – both in life and in death – Muslims do not condone cremation. Historically, the only exception to this is during severe epidemics, during which Muslim authorities have allowed cremation to stop the spread of disease.

Christianity

Christianity has quite a degree of variation when it comes to cremation teachings. Some, like the Eastern Orthodox Church, strictly forbid it, while others, like the Lutheran Church, consider cremation acceptable. In general, most Christian groups that do not have a strict forbiddance do tend to emphasize a strong preference for traditional burial, not cremation.

This includes Catholicism, which has only recently relaxed its rules over cremation as the practice has become more commonplace.

Hinduism

Hindus believe in rebirth, which is why cremation is not only allowed, but it is considered mandatory within the Hindu tradition. By cremating the body, Hindus believe the soul is able to more freely move on to its next life.

Buddhism

Cremation is considered acceptable within the Buddhist community, which also allows for a wide variety of other types of ceremonial disposals of the body after death. Unlike Hinduism, however, while cremation is widely practiced within Buddhism, it is not considered mandatory.

How do I know if my faith allows cremation?

Cremation is always an intimate decision for families, and it deserves careful thought, especially if you feel the need to follow a certain faith tradition. Whether you are considering keeping urns at home, burying ceramic urns in a formal interment ceremony, or even scattering the cremated remains of a loved one, it is important to discuss your plans with local faith leaders should you have any doubt about the religious implications of cremation within your faith community.

There can be much variation from culture to culture, even within the same religion, so your decision should only be finalized after clarifying and considering the belief systems you consider important.