How do Jehovah's Witnesses observe the death of someone?

Answer 1

Jehovah's Witnesses obseve the death of someone with a Funeral, and also with a dignified memorial talk/speech, that highlights the hope of the Ressurection. Here is a section from the Jehovah's Witnesses Track Publication "What Hope For Dead Loved Ones?" When a Loved One Dies When the enemy death strikes, your grief can be great, even though you may hope in the resurrection. Abraham had faith his wife would live again, yet we read that "Abraham came in to bewail Sarah and to weep over her." (Genesis 23:2) And what about Jesus? When Lazarus died, he "groaned in the spirit and became troubled," and shortly afterward he "gave way to tears." (John 11:33, 35) So, when someone you love dies, it does not show weakness to cry. When a child dies, it is particularly hard for the mother. Thus the Bible acknowledges the bitter grief that a mother can feel. (2 Kings 4:27) Of course, it is difficult for the bereaved father as well. "O that I might have died, I myself, instead of you," lamented King David when his son Absalom died.-2 Samuel 18:33. Yet, because you have confidence in the resurrection, your sorrow will not be unrelenting. As the Bible says, you will "not sorrow just as the rest also do who have no hope." (1 Thessalonians 4:13) Rather, you will draw close to God in prayer, and the Bible promises that "he himself will sustain you."-Psalm 55:22. How Humans Can Live Again After sin and death entered the world, God revealed that it was his purpose that the dead be restored to life by means of a resurrection. Thus the Bible explains: "Abraham . . . reckoned that God was able to raise [his son Isaac] up even from the dead." (Hebrews 11:17-19) Abraham's confidence was not misplaced, for the Bible says of the Almighty: "He is a God, not of the dead, but of the living, for they are all living to him."-Luke 20:37, 38. Yes, Almighty God has not only the power but also the desire to resurrect persons whom he chooses. Jesus Christ himself said: "Do not marvel at this, because the hour is coming in which all those in the memorial tombs will hear his voice and come out."-John 5:28, 29; Acts 24:15. Not long after saying this, Jesus met a funeral procession coming out of the Israelite city of Nain. The dead young man was the only child of a widow. On seeing her extreme grief, Jesus was moved with pity. So, addressing the corpse, he commanded: "Young man, I say to you, Get up!" And the man sat up, and Jesus gave him to his mother.-Luke 7:11-17. As in the case of that widow, there was also great ecstasy when Jesus visited the home of Jairus, a presiding officer of the Jewish synagogue. His 12-year-old daughter had died. But when Jesus arrived at Jairus' home, he went over to the dead child and said: "Girl, get up!" And she did!-Luke 8:40-56. Later, Jesus' friend Lazarus died. When Jesus arrived at his home, Lazarus had been dead for four days. Although deeply grieved, his sister Martha expressed hope, saying: "I know he will rise in the resurrection on the last day." But Jesus went to the tomb, ordered the stone to be removed, and called: "Lazarus, come on out!" And he did!-John 11:11-44. Now think about this: What was Lazarus' condition during those four days he was dead? Lazarus did not say anything about being in a heaven of bliss or a hell of torment, which surely he would have done if he had been there. No, Lazarus was completely unconscious in death and would have remained so until "the resurrection on the last day" if Jesus had not then restored him to life. It is true that these miracles of Jesus were of only temporary benefit, since those that he resurrected died again. However, he gave proof 1,900 years ago that, with God's power, the dead really can live again! So by his miracles Jesus showed on a small scale what will take place on earth under the Kingdom of God.

Answer 2

We do not have any special ceremonies or odes to the deceased. We do whatever local laws require as far as the treatment of the body.

There may be a memorial service conducted to encourage and give hope to the survibing family and friends.

Answer 3

Jehovah's Witnesses do not believe that death is a natural part of life. In fact, The Bible clearly states that death is an "enemy" (1 Cor. 15:26). From mankind's beginning, we were meant to live forever here on earth. God told Adam to spread his paradise home earth wide as he "multiplied" (Gen. 1:28, 29). The only thing that would prevent Adam from living forever was his own attitude toward authority. God said at Genesis 2:16, 17 that the day he ate from the fruit from which he had been authorized not to even touch, he would die. And this is, of course, what happened. In that very day, it was as if Adam and Eve had unplugged from the Source of Life and they began their descent into death. There were no other options given to them, no heaven or hell. Just death, nonexistence. "From dust you are and to dust you will return." Because of Jesus' sacrifice, though, "death will be swallowed up forever" in the near future (1 Cor 15:54). At that time, "all those in the memorial tombs will hear his voice and come out"

(John 5:28). So, Jehovah's Witnesses firmly believe that they will see their dead loved ones again in this resurrection.

Perhaps offer support and condolences the same as to a non Witness. They are just as upset over the death of a loved one as anyone else.

They do not believe in a soul going to heaven or hell but believe that the person will most likely be resurrected into a paradise earth after God brings about Armageddon which will be before the generation that saw the generation that saw the year 1914 have passed away.

Answer 4

Jehovah's Witnesses don't practice any rituals as-such.

The death / burial / funeral aspects are handled by the family.

They may request a short discourse at the Kingdom Hall to explain the Bible view of the 'condition of the dead' -- that they are in fact dead, and have not been 'transformed' into another form; nor 'transported' into another place. The went back to the dust from whence they came. (Gen 3:19)

Then is explained the comforting promise from Jehovah, that those in 'death's grip' have the hope of a 'resurection' from death; back to life 'ON EARTH' in a PARADISE. This would be as Martha acknowledged to Jesus, at 'the last day'; not before.

Then are expressions encouraging the survivors to continue serving Jehovah God; as did their dead relative.

Then a prayer.

Then maybe a song about the resurection.

Then usually a reception.

But this is certainly NOT a stipulated 'ritual'.

Answer 5

We have a funeral... We know that the soul ceases to exist at death (Ecclesiastes 9:5, 10, and Ezekiel 18:4)

Answer 6

they do not have any special customs if that's what your asking

Answer 7

Have a funeral and bury/cremate the body. Like most other people.

Answer 8

There is usually a bible based talk at the kingdom hall followed by the burial or cremation at a funeral parlour or cementry.