By Tanveer Zaidi
The passing of Zarine Khan, wife of legendary actor-filmmaker Sanjay Khan, marks not only the end of an era but also a profound statement about transcending religious boundaries.
Born Zarine Katrak into a Parsi family, she later married into a Muslim household, becoming part of one of Bollywood’s most respected families.
Sanjay Khan, known to be a devout Shia Muslim, regularly participates in Moharram observances and other Islamic rituals — yet when Zarine passed away, her final rites took an unexpected, yet deeply meaningful, turn.
Instead of adhering to the traditional Parsi “Tower of Silence” (Dokhmenashini) or a Muslim burial, Zarine Khan’s last wish was to have a Hindu cremation — a dah-sanskar.
Her son Zayed Khan explained that this choice reflected her belief in the universality of love and the eternal cycle of life, rather than confinement to any one religious tradition. It was a celebration of oneness — of humanity beyond faith.
The cremation was performed using a modern electric crematorium, often referred to as “electronic cremation.”
This environmentally conscious, hygienic method is increasingly being chosen by families of diverse faiths in urban India today, symbolizing progress, equality, and respect for both tradition and science.
The Contrasting Rites: Islam and Burial Traditions
In contrast, Islamic funeral practices strictly follow a burial-based ritual meant to honour the deceased with dignity and simplicity.
The process begins almost immediately after death, emphasizing the purity and respect of the human body, which is seen as a sacred trust from God.
The preparation of the body involves a ritual cleansing known as Ghusl, where same-sex family members or community elders wash the body three times with clean water. For women, the hair is washed and braided into three plaits, then lightly perfumed.
Afterward, the deceased is wrapped in simple white shrouds, known as Kafan — typically three layers for men and five for women — symbolizing spiritual equality and purity before God.
The funeral prayer, Salat al-Janazah, follows. This congregational prayer is unique: it involves no bowing or prostration, only standing prayers seeking forgiveness for the departed soul.
The body is then placed in the grave without a coffin, unless mandated for health or structural reasons, and positioned on its right side facing Mecca (Qibla).
Attendees recite verses from the Quran and offer final supplications. Importantly, cremation is strictly prohibited in Islam, as the body is regarded as a divine creation not to be destroyed by fire.
The Deeper Meaning of Burial Across Faiths
Burial as a final rite carries profound theological and cultural symbolism. It is considered an act of respect and faith, rooted in beliefs about resurrection and the sanctity of the human body.
Belief in Resurrection – In both Christianity and Islam, burial signifies faith in the Day of Judgment, when bodies will rise again. The act of burial preserves the body as a “vessel” for the soul’s reunion in the afterlife.
Sanctity of the Body – Many traditions teach that the human body, created in the image of God, must be treated with dignity. The Old Testament, for example, associates cremation with punishment or desecration, making burial a more respectful choice.
Passage to the Afterlife – From ancient civilizations to modern faiths, burial has been viewed as a necessary step for the soul’s peaceful transition. In Greek mythology, unburied souls were condemned to wander eternally along the River Styx.
Cultural Continuity – Burial connects generations — a tangible link between ancestors and descendants. Cemeteries often become places of heritage, identity, and remembrance.
Emotional and Psychological Closure – Witnessing the burial offers families a moment of finality — a sense of “goodbye” that aids the grieving process and allows emotional release.
The Practical and Emotional Dimensions
Historically, burial also evolved from practical and sanitary reasons — a means to safely handle decomposition, prevent disease, and honour the body’s remains. It shields the deceased from scavengers and provides families with a permanent resting place for mourning and reflection.
The Broader Message in Zarine Khan’s Choice
By choosing a Hindu cremation, Zarine Khan did not reject her Parsi or Muslim heritage — she celebrated inclusivity, humanity, and love.
Her final journey became a symbolic message of spiritual unity, echoing the idea that all paths lead to the same divine truth.
In a world often divided by faith, Zarine Khan’s last wish stands as a reminder that love transcends religion, ritual, and tradition. Her choice — dignified, serene, and deeply human — speaks of a universal spirituality that honours life in all its forms.
(The writer Tanveer Zaidi is an Actor–Author–Educator)
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