| The body is the temple of the spirit, therefore it must be respected and treated with honour. Its burial in the earth after death and its gradual decomposition is natural. Thus, according to Bahá'í law, cremation of the dead is forbidden and the body must not be transported more than one hour's journey from the place of death. The body ‘should be wrapped in a shroud of silk or cotton, and on its finger should be placed a ring bearing the inscription, "I came forth from God, and return unto Him, detached from all save Him, holding fast to His Name, the Merciful, the Compassionate"; and that the coffin should be of crystal, stone or hard fine wood. A specific Prayer for the Dead is ordained, to be said before interment . . . The formal prayer and the ring are meant to be used for those who have attained the age of maturity [age fifteen].'24 The parts of the law regarding cremation, the transportation of the body and the Prayer for the Dead are the only ones binding on all Bahá'ís, Bahá'ís in the West being exempt at present from the others. |
