What Sikhs believe about life and death
Sikhism teaches that life and death are part of God’s plan, and there is no need to fear death.
Sikhs focus on living a good and honest life by:
- Working hard (kirat karni)
- Helping others (seva)
- And remembering God (naam japna).
Death is seen as the soul leaving the body and continuing its journey based on past actions (karma) and God’s will.
When a Sikh dies, family and community members come together to pray and support each other. About the deceased, family and friends are told that ‘they are complete’ or ‘fulfilled (pooreh hogeh). This is due to the fact that Sikhs view death as a natural part of life, a journey towards reuniting with God (Waheguru).
The funeral occurs as soon as possible after death and is known as the Antam Sanskar (final rites) and includes the singing of hymns (shabads) from the Guru Granth Sahib (the Sikh holy book) to bring comfort.
Before the funeral service, the body of the deceased is washed and dressed. Sikhs believe that the purpose of the physical body is to house the soul and thus cremation is preferred, as it represents the soul’s release.
To commemorate loved ones, the ashes are usually scattered in a river or nature or place of significance, symbolising the body returning to the earth.
Regarding what to wear, it is funeral etiquette to wear smart but modest clothing with head coverings worn and shoes removed if in a home/ Gurdwara.
