Title: The Mourning Rituals in the Divine Religions Question: I was wondering if you could provide a detailed account of the process of mourning the dead in Islam, according to the texts, as well as for Judaism and Christianity. Are there special supplications in the Bible, the Talmud, the Qur'an, and the Hadith which relate to mourning and, perhaps more importantly, moving on after the loss of a loved one? Thanks. Jamal Ahmad United Kingdom Answer: It is clear from the Qur'an as well as the Bible that these texts do not prescribe any specific mourning rituals for their followers. Most of the rituals that have become a part of the Judaic, Christian and Muslim cultures are, in fact, not religious but cultural and, sometimes, moral in nature. The only religious directive with reference to 'mourning' in Islam relates to the prohibition of marriage or commitment or even proposal of marriage for the widow for a period of four months and ten days, which is for the specific purpose of ascertainment and, subsequent, appearance of pregnancy for the widow. All other directives of the Prophet (pbuh) relating to this period are primarily either moral in nature or relate to the Muslim belief in the Just, Merciful, Wise and Omnipotent God Who controls and has delivered death upon the deceased. I hope this helps. Regards, Moiz Amjad August 26, 2002