A collection of chronologically issued answers to some of the questions submitted by individual believers and institutions

2/26/2017

Choice of headstone on graves and inscription - May 4, 1972

Normally the building of structures or headstones on graves should be left to the family of deceased, and all expenses should be covered by them. The use of most great name or the ringstone symbol on gravestone is not appropriate.

In a letter dated September 17, 1971 to an individual believer we wrote the following: "Concerning the question you ask in your postscript, there is no specific ruling regarding the type of headstone that may be used at a grave site. However, regarding the inscription on a headstone, the beloved Guardian asked the believers not to use any form of the greatest name but a nine pointed star may be used. Or, you may wish to have an appropriate text from the sacred writings inscribed on the headstone. The position of the body in the grave should be with the feet pointing toward the Qiblih, which is Bahji in 'Akká'." 
- The Universal House of Justice  (From a letter dated May 4, 1972 to the National Spiritual Assembly of Uganda; compilations: ‘Lights of Guidance’)