End of Unit 4 Proof of Learning Assessment – Test Tutor

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• There are no religious objections to post-mortems and the Witnesses’ view is that the use of tissue for research or transplantation is a personal choice. Individuals from this religion may be buried or cremated and there are no specific funeral rites, though a simple, personal service will probably be held in the Kingdom Hall, at the grave side or crematorium.
• Under normal circumstances the body should be prepared according to the wishes of the family. However, if no family members are present, the local Mosque must be contacted for advice. Muslims are always buried, never cremated. It is not unusual for the deceased person to be buried within 24 hours of their death. The main steps involved are washing the body of the deceased, shrouding it, performance of the funeral prayer and finally burial. The first two steps are performed only by selected relatives and community members due to the intimacy involved with the body.
• Death is considered a natural process and God’s will, and public displays of grief at the funeral are
  discouraged. The family will normally be present and will say prayers. At death, routine practices
  may be performed, but do not remove the five K’s. The 5 Ks are 5 physical symbols worn by Sikhs
  who have been initiated into the Khalsa.
  
  The five Ks are:
  
  Kesh (uncut hair)
  Kara (a steel bracelet)
  Kanga (a wooden comb)
  Kaccha – also spelt, Kachh, Kachera (cotton underwear)
  Kirpan (steel sword)
• The funeral service can take place almost anywhere, including a church, cemetery or crematorium. The funeral service usually follows a general structure, with the order of service including readings, a sermon, prayers and hymns. In addition, the service may include a eulogy written and delivered by a family member or close friend. Special requests such as the deceased’s favourite music and funeral flowers are customary. The funeral service ends with a burial or cremation and flowers, wreaths and cards are common.
• The body of the deceased should be handled as little as possible by others and burial should take place as soon as practicable, preferably within 24 hours of death, and will be delayed only for the Sabbath. In normal circumstances, where a Medical Certificate of Cause of Death will be issued by the attending doctor, the eyes should be closed at, or soon after death. If practicable, this will be performed by one of the children of the deceased. The body should be covered and left untouched. The immediate family should be notified, and asked to contact the Jewish undertaker. They will contact the synagogue and set the ritual proceedings in motion. If no family are available, the local Jewish undertaker or synagogue should be contacted. The coroner’s officers are very helpful in expediting arrangements for Jewish bodies so that the funeral need not be unduly delayed.
• The funeral service is led by one or more priests and follows an orderly ritual. If a loved one is cremated, their ashes should not be scattered or kept in an urn at home. Instead, the ashes should be buried in a respectful manner. The Vigil allows family and friends to gather and celebrate the life of the deceased before the actual funeral service. It may take place in the deceased’s home, church or your local funeral home, with prayers and songs offered during this time. The Funeral Mass is usually held in the church where the deceased worshipped. It is celebrated by a priest and includes the Eucharistic Prayer and the giving of the Holy Communion. Cultural rituals include throwing soil or flowers on the coffin and placing material possessions on the casket. A common cultural ritual is the practice and prayers of Last Rites which are believed to protect the recipient on their journey to the afterlife.