40 Days of Worship

Bruneians believed that the soul of the departed remains wandering on Earth during the 40-day period, coming back home, visiting places the departed has lived in as well as their fresh grave. The soul also completes the journey through the Aerial toll house finally leaving this world. Therefore, for Bruneians, the 40th Day after death is a traditional memorial service, family gathering, ceremony, and ritual in memory of the departed on the 40th day after his or her death. This is a way to protect the soul of the departed as they finalize their place in the afterlife.

The observation of the 40th day after death occurs in Islam and the Eastern Orthodox tradition. The ritual represents spiritual intercession on the part of the dead, who are believed to collectively await the Day of Judgment. Thus, these rituals may be conducted for an individual, like the commemoration of the 40th day after death, or for all dead souls.