3. Islam: Strict Prohibition of Cremation
In Islam, cremation is strictly forbidden.
Muslim tradition teaches that:
- The body should be washed, shrouded, prayed over, and buried as soon as possible after death.
- The burial should be simple and respectful.
- The body is placed in the ground facing Mecca.
Muslims believe that the soul leaves the body at death, but remains in a state that is still connected to it until the Day of Judgment. Because of this connection, the body must be treated with great care and respect.
Cremation is seen as a violation of the dignity owed to the human body and as disobedience to God’s commands regarding burial.
