The requirements for Baha'i burial are simple. What follows is a short summary.

Guidance From the Universal House of Justice during the COVID Pandemic is here

Binding for believers in the West

• • The body is to be buried, not cremated.

  • The body should not be embalmed.

  • Burial should be within one hour's journey from the place of death regardless of the method of transport and may be calculated from the city limits.

  • Saying of the Prayer for the Dead before interment. (for those 15 and older) The prayer is read by one person while all others stand in silence. Facing the Qiblih is not required. (link to prayer)

Laws Not Presently Binding in the West

• • The body should be washed and wrapped in 5 (1 is acceptable) sheets of white silk or cotton. There is no right or wrong way to wrap the body.

  • A burial ring is to be placed on a finger. (for those 15 and older) No finger is specified.

  • When buried, the feet should face the Qiblih.

  • The coffin should be of crystal, stone or hard wood. Concrete is acceptable as well.

Other Considerations

* Burial should take place as soon after death as possible. But there is no prescribed time limit.

* The body may be perfumed. It is customary in the east to use rose water.

* Bahai's may donate their bodies or organs to medical science but should arrange for their remains to be treated according to Baha'i law. If organs are donated to a living person then Baha'i law no longer applies unless the recipient is a Baha'i.

Sources / Further Reading:

• Information about the Bahá'í Faith for Funeral Directors

• A Guide to Baha'i Funeral and Burial Practices

• Preparations for Funerals and Burials

• Bahai Burial

• Burial Ring for purchase

• Prayers for the Departed

• Baha'i Burial And The Baha'i Funeral Service. Baha'i Publications Australia, 1997.