For some people, faith or religious practice may be very important as they are dying. For others, comfort may come from family, memories, nature, music, silence, or personal values rather than religion.
This page brings together short videos exploring how death and dying are understood across different faiths and belief systems. They may be helpful if you are supporting someone who is dying, trying to understand what matters to them, or wanting to learn more about how different people approach the end of life.
If someone close to you is dying, it can help to ask what matters to them spiritually, culturally or personally. This might include prayer, readings, music, quiet, certain rituals, particular people being present, or contact with a faith leader or spiritual care team.
If the person cannot tell you what they want, you may still be able to think about what has mattered to them during their life. You can also ask staff whether there is a chaplaincy, spiritual care team, faith leader or other support available.
There is no single right way to think about dying. What matters most is listening to the person, respecting their wishes where possible, and asking for support if you are unsure.
A simple question can be enough:
“Is there anything that would bring them comfort or feel important to them right now?”
Death and dying in Christianity
Christian beliefs about death often focus on hope, eternal life, prayer, forgiveness and being held by God at the end of life.
This video explores how Christians may approach dying, the role of prayer and faith, and how families may be supported through death and loss.
It may help if you are wondering:
What does Christianity say about death?
What might bring comfort to a Christian who is dying?
Death and dying in Judaism
Judaism has long held traditions around death, dying and mourning, with community playing an important role in supporting people through illness, death and grief.
This video explores Jewish beliefs about death, the importance of ritual, and how families and communities may support someone who is dying and those close to them.
It may help if you are wondering:
How does Judaism view death?
What traditions may matter when a Jewish person is dying?
Death and dying in Islam
Islamic beliefs about death often centre on faith, acceptance, prayer and preparation for what comes next.
This video explores how Muslims may think about dying, what happens after death in Islam, and how prayer, ritual and family support may shape the end of life experience.
It may help if you are wondering:
How do Muslims view death?
What might be important when a Muslim person is dying?
Death and dying in Sikh Dharm
Sikh beliefs about death are closely connected to the soul, life as a journey, and spiritual continuity.
This video explores how Sikhs may understand dying, how death is viewed within Sikh teachings, and how faith and community may support people at the end of life.
It may help if you are wondering:
What do Sikhs believe happens when we die?
What might bring comfort to a Sikh person who is dying?
Death and dying in Hinduism
Hindu beliefs about death often centre around the soul’s journey, karma and rebirth.
This video explores what Hindus may believe happens after death, the role of ritual, and how families may support someone who is dying.
It may help if you are wondering:
What happens after death in Hinduism?
What traditions may matter when a Hindu person is dying?
Death and dying in Buddhism
Buddhist beliefs about death often focus on impermanence, compassion, awareness and the mind.
This video explores how Buddhists may think about dying, how mindfulness can shape the end of life experience, and what may bring comfort or meaning.
It may help if you are wondering:
What do Buddhists believe about death?
How might dying be approached in Buddhism?
Death and dying in Humanism
Humanism approaches death without religious belief, often focusing on meaning, relationships, values and the legacy a person leaves behind.
This video explores how humanists may think about dying, what happens when someone dies, and how comfort may be found through connection, memory and the life someone has lived.
It may help if you are wondering:
What do humanists believe about death?
How might a non-religious person make sense of dying?
Supporting someone’s beliefs when they are dying
If you are supporting someone who is dying, you don’t have to share their beliefs to respect them.
You can help by:
Asking what matters to them, if they are able to tell you
Listening without trying to correct or debate
Asking whether they would like prayer, music, silence, readings or rituals
Contacting a faith leader, chaplain or spiritual care team if they want this
Keeping meaningful objects nearby, if appropriate
Telling staff about any wishes, customs or practices that feel important
Remembering that some people may not want religious support, and that should be respected too
If you are unsure what to do, ask the healthcare team. Many hospitals, hospices and care settings have chaplaincy or spiritual care teams who support people of all faiths and none.
The materials on this Support Hub were created by our team to provide guidance and general information. Whilst we make every effort to ensure our insights are accurate, this content does not constitute medical, legal, or financial advice. Where needed, we encourage you to discuss your specific needs and plans with qualified professionals.
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