Sikh cremation Cremation is preferred for Sikh funerals. In other parts of the world this is done with outdoor funeral pyres. Burial or any other means for disposing the body are acceptable if the circumstances do not allow for cremation. After the cremation, the ashes are usually buried in the earth or scattered.
The Sikh religion prefers cremation over burial
They believe that cremation will let the soul detach from the body and reunite with God or Waheguru. Only close family members will attend the cremation itself. In the days after the cremation, Sikhs scatter the ashes into a flowing water source, like a river or the sea.
Life After Death: Sikhs believe that upon death one merges back into the universal nature, just as a drop of rain merges back into the ocean. Individuality is lost. Sikhs do not believe in heaven or hell. Heaven can be experienced by being in tune with God while still alive.
What do Sikhs do with ashes after cremation? Sikhs will usually travel to Punjab to scatter the ashes of the deceased in Kiratpur Sahib Gurdwara in Rupnagar District, Punjab. Kiratpur is a sacred place to the Sikhs as its foundation was laid and established by the Gurus.
The soul uses the body (life and death) in its journey back to God from where it came. Sikhs prefer cremation over all other ways of disposal. Other methods (including burial in the ground or at sea) are permitted if the cremation is impossible. The cremated remains are typically submerged in a river.
Both men and women should wear smart clothes to a Sikh funeral service, and should avoid showing too much skin. The Sikh colour of mourning is white, but subdued colours are also acceptable, with no patterns or bright colours. Sikhs will always cover their heads for a funeral.
Initiated Sikhs are required to carry/maintain at all times: kesh (unshorn hair covered by a turban), kara (steel bracelet), kanga (small wooden comb), kacchera (undershorts), and a kirpan (resembles a knife/sword).
Ever since the founding of the faith more than 500 years ago, Sikhs have used 'Allah' to refer to God as well as many other terms. The word 'Allah' appears repeatedly in their Holy Book. The religion is epitomised by the Mool Mantar that appears as the first verse in the Sikh Holy Book.
Drinking alcohol is often associated with the Punjabi culture, but is prohibited in Sikhism. Baptised Sikhs are forbidden from drinking but some non-baptised Sikhs do consume alcohol. Whilst the vast majority of those who do drink have no problem, a small number of Punjabi Sikh women are affected.
The eldest son or a close relative generally starts the cremation process – by lighting the fire or pressing the button for the burning to begin. This service usually lasts about 30 to 60 minutes. The ashes are later collected and immersed in a body of water. Sikhs do not erect monuments over the remains of the dead.
As Sikhs believe the physical body only houses the soul, cremation is usually preferred. Burial is also accepted, but there will be no headstone or monument allowed. Organ donations and donating of the body to medical science are both permitted. Funerals typically take place at a Gurdwara (Sikh temple).
The cremated remains of the deceased are then taken and scattered on a river. If the family of the deceased chooses to have a burial for the body, then the grave should not have a monument to mark it due to the belief that it is simply clothing that the soul sheds away in their cycle of life.
The SGPC has warned those who plan to get a tattoo of Sikh religious symbols or Gurbani verses on any part of their body. Akal Takht has already put a blanket ban on Sikh religious tattooing and pronounced an edict in June.
Marrying people of other faiths is acceptable, they say, but conducting that marriage in a Sikh temple is not. Non-Sikhs can only be involved if they accept the Sikh faith and change their name to include Singh or Kaur, the council insists.
Sikhs (the word Sikh means disciple) do not smoke or take intoxicants. Some even refuse tea or coffee because they contain caffeine, a stimulant.
Sikhism does not require circumcision of either males or females, and criticizes the practice. In Islam, no verse in the Quran supports male or female circumcision (FGM/C). Male circumcision is a widespread practice and considered mandatory for Muslim males according to Sunnah.
Sikhism is closer to Hinduism than Islam as it retains Hindi theories of karma and reincarnation, even though Sikhism foundations are closer to Islam as it advocates monotheism.
The word Hindu is an exonym, and while Hinduism has been called the oldest religion in the world, many practitioners refer to their religion as Sanātana Dharma (Sanskrit: सनातन धर्म, lit.
These five thieves are kaam (lust), krodh (wrath), lobh (greed), moh (attachment) and ahankar (ego or excessive pride).
The 'Kirpan' is an important religious symbol of Sikhism. As per Indian law, Passengers travelling on flights with point of origin and destination both being within India, on an Indian registered aircraft are permitted to carry a 'Kirpan' in person.
The Three Golden Rules which Sikhs follow are to remember God constantly, to earn an honest livelihood, and to share their earnings with everyone through charity. Sikhs show commitment to their faith by adopting a way of life which requires them to wear the Five K's.
White is considered appropriate in many cultures to symbolise purity, as well as, in some religions, oneness with God, or eternal life in others. Sikh women generally wear white clothes for mourning, although sometimes they wear black.
This ceremony can take anywhere from three to 10 days. Sikhs' mourning color is white, though other neutral colors like black or navy are acceptable.
Piercing of the nose or ears for wearing ornaments is forbidden for Sikh men and women.
By not cutting hair, Sikhs honour God's gift of hair. Kesh combined with the combing of hair using a kangha shows respect for God and all of his gifts.