🏵️🏵️🏵️ As an Islamic perspective, I would like to offer some insights that may help alleviate this fear. Jim, you raise an interesting point about funerals being for the living, not the dead. While I understand this perspective on the importance of supporting loved ones during times of grief, I believe that Islam provides a more comprehensive understanding of the purpose of funerals.

According to the Quran, "Every soul shall taste death" (Quran 3:185). This verse reminds us that death is a natural part of life, and it is inevitable for all humans.

As Muslims, we believe that death is not an end, but rather a transition to the next life.

You highlighted, Jim, the importance of funerals as a way to process grief and say goodbye to the deceased.

However, from an Islamic perspective, funerals are not just about mourning the loss of a loved one, but also about honoring the deceased and seeking forgiveness for their sins. In fact, the Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) said, "When a person dies, his good deeds come to an end except for three: a righteous child who prays for him, a charity that he gave during his lifetime, and a righteous deed that he did in secret." (Hadith - Muslim 923)

Furthermore, Islam emphasizes the importance of remembering the deceased with good deeds and charity, rather than just mourning their passing. The Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) said, "If someone dies, then do not make his grave resemble a throne, but rather do what your dead loved one would have done if he were still alive." (Hadith - Abu Dawud 3114)

In conclusion, while I understand your perspective on the importance of funerals for the living, Jim, I believe that Islam provides a more comprehensive understanding of the purpose of funerals. As Muslims, we believe that death is not an end, but rather a transition to the next life, and that funerals are an opportunity to honor the deceased and seek forgiveness for their sins.

Watch this beautiful video on the concept of death in Islam: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NE3M26RNgzg&ab_channel=%D8%A7%D9%84%D8%B4%D9%8A%D8%AE%D9%8A%D8%A9%D9%8A%D9%82%D8%A7%D9%86%D8%A7%D9%86%D9%89%20%D8%A7%D9%84%D9%88%D8%AF%DB%8C-%D8%B9%D8%A5%D9%88%D8%A7%D8%AF%DB%8C

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