Grief and suffering are inevitable at the time of death. Yet Islam provides us with the spiritual strength to overcome these difficult times, any pain and distress we feel upon a death is rewarded by our Merciful Lord.

Jesus Christ talked about grief.

‘Blessed are those who mourn, for they will be comforted…’
Matthew 5:4

In Judaism rituals of mourning are designed to balance two core commandments: k’vod hamet –- honouring the deceased, and nichum avelim -– comforting the mourners.

Sikhism teaches that in times of happiness, we can forget God; but in times of loss, we remember God and reflect on the impermanent, uncertain nature of human life more deeply.

Gurbani says:
‘Sorrow is medicine.’

Rituals in Hinduism are done in such a way as to promote the free expression of emotions. The purpose for these expressions is to keep the body healthy, not bound by mourning and unresolved anger. This is also key in building positive karma for the deceased.

Buddhism encourages you to take refuge in the Buddha, his teachings and in his spiritual community. ‘Because death is not the end, only a stage in a journey of many lives in which we have the chance to learn and grow.’

Baha’is believe that at the time of death, the deceased have “stepped from this world into another” and will be reunited with them in the divine realm:

Humanists believe that everything in the world, in the universe, including the human condition can be explained by natural laws and natural forces, this allows for comfort as Humanists are provided with reason

A booklet from our Cruse Together for You project providing information and advice for bereaved men.

A guide to the emotions commonly experienced during the grief of bereavement. A basic, helpful introduction to bereavement, whatever the circumstances.

A death by suicide can be particularly distressing because of the circumstances in which it occurs: often it is unexpected and unexplained, and the bereaved may feel even more isolated because of other people’s reactions. This booklet seeks to help the person bereaved by suicide find their way through difficult and distressing feelings.

Adults who lose a parent often experience profound grief yet society expects them to take the death in their stride. This Cruse publication explores some of the often complex issues involved.

A six-page leaflet to help you when someone close to you may have died in sudden and/or traumatic circumstances. You may have witnessed the death, or the deaths and injury of others. This leaflet explains some common reactions and sources of help.