
Based on looking at the website asheswithart.co.uk, it’s clear they specialise in creating memorial jewellery and glass art from human or pet ashes and hair. While the concept aims to offer comfort and remembrance, from an Islamic perspective, the practice of creating and wearing jewellery or art containing human remains could be seen as problematic due to the sanctity of the deceased and the proper burial rituals. The emphasis in Islam is on returning the body to the earth in a respectful manner, without alteration or retention of any parts for personal use or display. This practice, while intended to honour the deceased, might inadvertently fall into the category of excess or deviation from established burial norms, potentially leading to issues of attachment that conflict with the Islamic understanding of death and the afterlife.
Here’s an overall review summary:
- Website Clarity: Excellent, with clear explanations for ordering, sending materials, and product details.
- Customer Service Options: Robust, offering online, in-person, video, and postal consultations.
- Product Quality Information: Detailed, specifying metals, gemstones, and why they avoid resin.
- Transparency: High, with sections for FAQ, reviews, and policies.
- Ethical Considerations (Islamic Perspective): The core service of creating memorial jewellery from human ashes or hair is generally not aligned with Islamic principles regarding the sanctity of the deceased and the prescribed burial practices. While the website presents itself professionally and ethically within its own scope, the underlying concept is viewed as potentially problematic.
The website provides a comprehensive guide for customers looking to commission memorial items, from initial order placement to the safe handling and delivery of ashes or hair. They detail various metals (Sterling Silver, 9ct/18ct Gold, Platinum) and ethical lab-grown diamonds and gemstones, along with handcrafted glass ashes gemstones. They also explain why they avoid resin, citing potential discoloration and durability issues. This level of detail is commendable for transparency. However, for a Muslim audience, the fundamental concept of creating such physical mementos from human remains needs careful consideration. Islam emphasizes the dignity of the deceased body through proper burial and discourages practices that could be seen as retaining or altering the remains for personal display or use. While the intention behind these memorial items is often one of remembrance and comfort, the method itself can diverge from Islamic teachings on dealing with the deceased.
Instead of material mementos from remains, Islamic tradition encourages remembrance through prayer (dua), charity (sadaqah), and good deeds on behalf of the deceased. These actions offer continuous reward for the departed and a spiritual connection for the living, aligning with the impermanence of this world and the focus on the Hereafter.
Here are some alternatives that align with Islamic principles for remembrance and spiritual connection:
0.0 out of 5 stars (based on 0 reviews)
There are no reviews yet. Be the first one to write one. |
Amazon.com:
Check Amazon for Asheswithart.co.uk Review Latest Discussions & Reviews: |
-
- Key Features: Beautiful visual reminders of Allah’s names, Quranic verses, or prophetic sayings. Can be framed, displayed, or used in home decor. Often handcrafted.
- Average Price: £20 – £200+ depending on size, artist, and materials.
- Pros: Permissible, encourages contemplation, beautifies the home, serves as a constant spiritual reminder.
- Cons: Purely decorative, doesn’t directly involve remembrance in the same way as charity or prayer.
-
- Key Features: Designed for comfort and durability during prayer. Often feature intricate patterns and soft fabrics.
- Average Price: £15 – £80.
- Pros: Facilitates a core act of worship (Salah), provides comfort, can be a personal item.
- Cons: Not a direct form of remembrance for the deceased, though prayer is a key way to remember them.
-
Islamic Books on Grief & Spirituality:
- Key Features: Offer guidance, solace, and understanding of death, loss, and the afterlife from an Islamic perspective.
- Average Price: £10 – £30.
- Pros: Provides spiritual comfort, increases knowledge, encourages reflection, helps cope with loss in a faith-aligned way.
- Cons: Requires active reading and engagement.
-
- Key Features: Allows users to touch the pen to any verse in a specially printed Quran to hear its recitation and translation.
- Average Price: £50 – £150.
- Pros: Aids in Quranic recitation and understanding, makes learning easier, beneficial for all ages.
- Cons: Electronic device dependency, requires battery.
-
Charitable Giving on Behalf of Deceased:
- Key Features: While not a physical product, purchasing a book on Islamic charity or setting up a recurring donation through a reputable charity is a highly recommended act. This can be done with the intention that the reward goes to the deceased.
- Average Price: Varies widely, from £10 for a book to any amount for donation.
- Pros: Considered a continuous charity (Sadaqah Jariyah) for the deceased, brings immense spiritual reward.
- Cons: No tangible item for the living.
-
Personalised Islamic Dua Journals:
- Key Features: Journals specifically designed for writing down prayers (duas) and reflections, often with Islamic motifs or prompts. Can be personalised with a name or a message.
- Average Price: £15 – £40.
- Pros: Encourages spiritual practice, provides a tangible place for expressing devotion and remembering loved ones through prayer.
- Cons: Requires personal commitment to journaling.
-
High-Quality Attar or Non-Alcoholic Perfumes:
- Key Features: Traditional Islamic perfumes (attar) are oil-based and alcohol-free, offering long-lasting, natural scents. Can be a subtle reminder of beauty and purity.
- Average Price: £10 – £70.
- Pros: Permissible, pleasant, and aligns with Islamic principles of cleanliness and good scent.
- Cons: Personal preference for scents varies, not directly a ‘memorial’ item.
Find detailed reviews on Trustpilot, Reddit, and BBB.org, for software products you can also check Producthunt.
IMPORTANT: We have not personally tested this company’s services. This review is based solely on information provided by the company on their website. For independent, verified user experiences, please refer to trusted sources such as Trustpilot, Reddit, and BBB.org.
[ratemypost]
asheswithart.co.uk Review & First Look
When you first land on asheswithart.co.uk, it’s evident that this isn’t just another online shop. It’s a dedicated platform for a very specific, and emotionally charged, service: creating memorial jewellery and glass art from the ashes or hair of loved ones, be they human or pet. The website presents itself with a clean, professional aesthetic, immediately conveying a sense of trustworthiness and empathy, which is crucial for such a sensitive offering.
The immediate impression is one of clarity and comprehensive information. They kick off with key benefits like “Free Delivery,” “BUY NOW PAY LATER,” and “Price Match,” which are attractive to potential customers. Beyond these initial hooks, the navigation is intuitive, guiding you through “Buyers Help Guide,” “FAQ,” and “Contact Us.” The focus is clearly on reassuring the customer at every step, a smart move given the emotional nature of the products. You’ll find quick links to their main product categories like “ASHES JEWELLERY,” “ASHES TO DIAMONDS,” and “COMFORT PEBBLES,” making it easy to browse their offerings.
Initial Impressions: Professionalism and Sensitivity
The site’s design prioritises ease of use and a respectful tone. There are no flashy, insensitive pop-ups or aggressive sales tactics. Instead, it maintains a calm, supportive atmosphere, which is absolutely vital when dealing with memorial products. This thoughtful design immediately suggests a company that understands the delicate nature of their work.
Key Information Accessibility
One of the stand-out features is how readily available crucial information is. Sections like “Placing Your Order” and “How to send us your ashes and hair” are detailed, covering online, postal, and even in-person or video consultation options. This level of procedural clarity significantly reduces potential anxiety for customers entrusting precious remains. They even address concerns about sending ashes via post with a dedicated section recommending Royal Mail’s “Special Delivery” service.
asheswithart.co.uk Cons
While asheswithart.co.uk excels in many areas of website presentation and customer guidance, from an ethical standpoint, particularly concerning Islamic principles, the core service they offer presents significant drawbacks. The practice of creating memorial jewellery or art from human ashes or hair, while intended to be a source of comfort for many, fundamentally conflicts with Islamic burial customs and the reverence for the deceased. Settlementlawyers.co.uk Review
Conflict with Islamic Burial Practices
Islam places a strong emphasis on the proper burial of the deceased, which involves washing the body, shrouding it, performing the funeral prayer, and burying it directly in the earth. The body is considered sacred, and its integrity should be maintained. Cremation, which is the precursor to obtaining ashes for memorial items, is widely prohibited in Islam as it goes against the dignity of the human body and the belief in bodily resurrection.
Furthermore, the retention of any part of the deceased’s body for display or incorporation into personal items is generally discouraged. The focus in Islam after death is on returning the individual to Allah, and the remembrance of the deceased through prayer, charity, and good deeds, rather than through physical mementos of their remains.
Potential for Excessive Attachment and Grief
While memorial jewellery is designed to provide comfort, it can also lead to an excessive attachment to the physical remains of the deceased. In Islam, believers are encouraged to accept Allah’s decree and find solace in spiritual acts and faith, rather than clinging to worldly reminders that might hinder acceptance and spiritual progression. The emphasis is on understanding that the soul has departed and that a physical memento, particularly one made from remains, is not the primary means of maintaining connection or remembrance. This could prolong grief and make it harder to move past the natural human emotional attachment in a healthy, Islamically-aligned manner.
Concerns Regarding Sanctity of Remains
The process of taking a portion of ashes or hair and incorporating it into an item, even with the utmost care and respect, can be viewed as disrespectful to the sanctity of the human body from an Islamic perspective. The body is not merely a vessel but a sacred trust from Allah, and its disposal after death is prescribed with specific rituals that do not include its fragmentation or transformation into consumer goods.
asheswithart.co.uk Alternatives
Given the ethical concerns from an Islamic perspective regarding memorial jewellery made from human remains, exploring alternatives for remembrance is crucial. These alternatives focus on spiritual connection, continuous reward for the deceased, and permissible ways to honour their memory, aligning with Islamic teachings. Newhallinteriors.co.uk Review
-
Islamic Books as Sadaqah Jariyah:
- Product: Purchase and donate Islamic books, such as copies of the Quran, tafsir (exegesis), hadith collections, or books on Islamic knowledge, to mosques, Islamic schools, or libraries.
- Key Features: Provides ongoing benefit to others, ensuring continuous reward (Sadaqah Jariyah) for the deceased. A tangible form of intellectual and spiritual contribution.
- Average Price: £10 – £50 per book, but can be scaled up.
- Pros: Highly meritorious in Islam, creates a lasting legacy of knowledge, aligns with emphasis on spiritual reward.
- Cons: No direct physical memento for the grieving individual.
-
Water Wells or Charitable Water Projects:
- Product: Donate to organisations building water wells or providing clean water access in needy communities. (This is a conceptual product, typically facilitated through charities, not a physical item on Amazon, but one can gift a donation in someone’s name. An alternative for Amazon would be a book about water charity.)
- Key Features: Provides essential life resource, continuous reward as people benefit, addresses a fundamental human need.
- Average Price: Donations can range from £50 to £5000+ for a full well.
- Pros: Considered one of the best forms of Sadaqah Jariyah, immense spiritual benefit for the deceased.
- Cons: No physical item.
-
- Product: Contribute to tree-planting initiatives or purchase a tree to be planted in memory of a loved one through a charity. (Similar to water wells, this is typically a donation, but a kit for personal planting is available.)
- Key Features: Provides environmental benefit, shade, fruit, and oxygen, offering continuous reward.
- Average Price: £10 – £50 per tree, depending on the programme.
- Pros: Environmentally friendly, sustained benefit for living beings and the planet, high spiritual value.
- Cons: No personal physical memento.
-
Orphan Sponsorship Programs: Glow-worm.co.uk Review
- Product: Sponsor an orphan’s education, food, or well-being through reputable Islamic or humanitarian charities. (Again, a donation, but one could gift a book explaining the concept.)
- Key Features: Directly supports a vulnerable individual, builds character, provides continuous reward for the deceased.
- Average Price: £30 – £60 per month.
- Pros: Direct and profound impact on a life, immense spiritual reward for both giver and deceased.
- Cons: Ongoing financial commitment, no physical item.
-
Customised Islamic Wall Art or Calligraphy:
- Product: Wall art featuring Quranic verses, names of Allah, or beautiful Islamic calligraphy, which can be personalised with a name or a message of remembrance.
- Key Features: Permissible decorative item, serves as a reminder of faith and devotion, can be a beautiful focal point in a home.
- Average Price: £30 – £200+.
- Pros: Aesthetically pleasing, spiritually uplifting, can be a daily reminder of faith.
- Cons: Not a direct act of charity for the deceased.
-
Digital Islamic Learning Subscriptions:
- Product: Gift a subscription to a reputable online platform offering Islamic courses, Quran recitation lessons, or spiritual lectures.
- Key Features: Provides access to beneficial knowledge, encourages learning, and can be considered a form of ongoing charity if the knowledge acquired is used for good.
- Average Price: £5 – £20 per month or £50 – £200 for annual subscription.
- Pros: Promotes knowledge, accessible from anywhere, modern way to learn.
- Cons: No physical item, requires digital access.
-
A Beautiful Copy of the Quran with Translation:
- Product: A high-quality, beautifully bound copy of the Holy Quran, possibly with a well-regarded English translation and commentary.
- Key Features: The central text of Islam, provides spiritual solace and guidance, can be read and reflected upon.
- Average Price: £20 – £70.
- Pros: Direct connection to religious text, source of immense blessing, can be passed down.
- Cons: Primarily for personal use, though its presence can be a blessing.
How asheswithart.co.uk Handles Pricing
Asheswithart.co.uk doesn’t explicitly display a comprehensive pricing list for all its products directly on the homepage, which is fairly standard for custom or high-value items. However, they clearly indicate that they offer a “BUY NOW PAY LATER” option, which immediately signals flexibility in payment. This feature, popular in the UK, typically involves instalment plans through third-party providers like Klarna or Clearpay, allowing customers to spread the cost.
Transparent Payment Options
While specific product prices require navigating to individual product pages, the presence of “BUY NOW PAY LATER” is a significant upfront transparency. This suggests they understand that these are often significant purchases, made at an emotional time, and providing financial flexibility can be a major relief for customers. Newlifeteeth.co.uk Review
Price Match Guarantee
Another notable aspect of their pricing strategy is the “Price Match” guarantee. This is a powerful statement of confidence in their value and competitiveness. It implies that customers can be assured they are getting a fair price for the quality and craftsmanship involved. This can be particularly reassuring when dealing with bespoke items where direct comparison can be difficult.
Consultation-Based Pricing
For highly customised pieces, such as “ASHES TO DIAMONDS” or specific “CUSTOM DESIGN SPECIALISTS” requests, it’s typical for the pricing to be discussed during a consultation. The website offers various ways to book a consultation—video, in-person, or postal order pack requests—indicating a personalised approach to final pricing. This allows them to accurately quote based on specific design choices, materials, and complexity.
asheswithart.co.uk vs. Spiritual Alternatives
When comparing asheswithart.co.uk’s offerings with the spiritual alternatives suggested from an Islamic perspective, it’s akin to comparing apples and oranges—both are meant to provide comfort and remembrance, but their fundamental approaches, and their alignment with Islamic teachings, are vastly different.
Focus on Material vs. Spiritual Remembrance
asheswithart.co.uk focuses on creating a tangible, physical memento from the remains of a loved one. The value proposition is in the craftsmanship, the precious materials, and the ability to physically wear or display a piece of the deceased. This caters to a common human desire for a physical connection to those who have passed. For many, this offers a unique form of comfort.
In contrast, the spiritual alternatives for remembrance, particularly within Islam, shift the focus from the material to the spiritual and philanthropic. The emphasis is on performing deeds that offer continuous reward (Sadaqah Jariyah) to the deceased in the afterlife, such as donating to build a water well, sponsoring an orphan, or contributing to Islamic knowledge. These actions are believed to be far more beneficial to the deceased’s eternal well-being than any physical item. Getaflight.co.uk Review
Alignment with Islamic Teachings
This is where the starkest difference lies. As discussed, the practice of cremation and retaining human remains for memorialisation is generally not permissible in Islam. Islamic jurisprudence dictates burial as the prescribed method for the deceased, with strict adherence to the dignity and integrity of the body. Therefore, asheswithart.co.uk’s core business, while professionally executed, operates outside the accepted framework of Islamic burial and remembrance.
The spiritual alternatives, conversely, are deeply rooted in Islamic tradition and scripture. They provide ways for the living to earn reward for themselves and to contribute to the spiritual ledger of the deceased, reinforcing concepts like accountability, the afterlife, and the interconnectedness of the Muslim community.
Long-Term Impact
A physical memento, while comforting initially, is subject to the impermanence of this world—it can be lost, damaged, or eventually forgotten. Its benefit is primarily emotional for the living.
Spiritual acts of charity, however, are viewed as having an eternal impact. A well that provides water for a community for decades, or an orphan who grows up educated and contributes to society, yields ongoing rewards for the deceased, far beyond the lifespan of any piece of jewellery. This perspective encourages a more profound and lasting form of remembrance, one that transcends the material world.
How to Honour Deceased Loved Ones Islamically
Honouring deceased loved ones in Islam is a deeply spiritual and communal practice that primarily revolves around seeking Allah’s mercy for them and performing acts of charity and worship on their behalf. The emphasis is on spiritual connection and continuous reward for the departed, rather than physical mementos. Theaccountancy.co.uk Review
Supplication (Dua)
The most direct and consistent way to honour a deceased loved one is through supplication (dua). Praying for their forgiveness, mercy, and elevation in status in the Hereafter is a highly recommended practice. This can be done at any time, particularly during personal prayers (Salah) or after them. The Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) taught specific duas for the deceased, asking Allah to expand their graves, lighten their burden, and grant them Jannat al-Firdaws (the highest paradise).
- Continuous Prayer: Make it a habit to include your loved ones in your daily duas.
- Specific Occasions: During Tahajjud (night prayer) or other times when duas are more readily accepted.
Giving Charity (Sadaqah)
Giving charity (Sadaqah) on behalf of the deceased is one of the most beneficial acts. This is considered a form of continuous charity (Sadaqah Jariyah), where the deceased continues to receive rewards for as long as the charity benefits others.
- Building a well or providing water: A timeless act of charity.
- Donating to mosques or Islamic centres: Contributing to the house of Allah or centres of learning.
- Sponsoring an orphan or a student of knowledge: Investing in the future of individuals.
- Planting trees: An environmentally beneficial act that provides ongoing reward.
- Donating copies of the Quran or Islamic books: Providing access to religious knowledge for others.
Performing Hajj or Umrah
If a deceased loved one was unable to perform Hajj (the pilgrimage to Mecca) during their lifetime despite having the means, a family member or another Muslim can perform Hajj on their behalf (Hajj al-Badal). This is a significant act of worship that can bring immense reward to the deceased. Similarly, performing Umrah (the minor pilgrimage) on their behalf is also a virtuous act.
Fasting on Their Behalf (in Specific Cases)
If a deceased person had outstanding obligatory fasts (e.g., from Ramadan due to illness or travel) and was unable to make them up, their heirs can fast on their behalf or feed the poor for each missed day. This is a less common scenario but is a valid way to fulfil their religious obligations.
Maintaining Ties of Kinship and Friendship
Honouring the deceased also involves maintaining good relations with their family and friends. This includes visiting their relatives, supporting their children, and fulfilling any promises or trusts they left behind. The Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) exemplified this by maintaining ties with the friends of his first wife, Khadijah, even after her passing. Thelittlegreensheep.co.uk Review
Seeking and Spreading Beneficial Knowledge
If a deceased person was a scholar or a seeker of knowledge, continuing to learn and spread beneficial knowledge is a way to honour their legacy. Any good deeds performed as a result of knowledge they imparted can also benefit them.
Avoiding Innovations (Bid’ah)
It is crucial to avoid innovations (bid’ah) in religious practices related to the deceased. This includes rituals or ceremonies that are not supported by the Quran and Sunnah, as these can detract from the purity of worship and the true spirit of remembrance. The focus should remain on acts that are authentically prescribed in Islam for the deceased’s benefit.
FAQ
What is asheswithart.co.uk?
Asheswithart.co.uk is a UK-based company that specialises in creating memorial jewellery and glass art from the ashes or hair of deceased human loved ones and pets. They offer various designs including rings, pendants, comfort pebbles, and larger glass art pieces.
Is creating memorial jewellery from human ashes permissible in Islam?
Generally, no. Islamic teachings emphasise the respectful and timely burial of the deceased, and cremation is prohibited. The retention or use of human remains for creating jewellery or other objects is not aligned with Islamic principles regarding the sanctity of the body and the prescribed burial rituals.
What are the Islamic alternatives for remembering deceased loved ones?
Islamic alternatives focus on spiritual acts that benefit the deceased in the afterlife, such as making supplication (dua), giving charity (sadaqah) on their behalf, performing Hajj or Umrah (if applicable), fulfilling their debts or trusts, and maintaining ties with their family and friends. Prezzorestaurants.co.uk Review
Does asheswithart.co.uk offer international shipping for their products?
The website’s homepage details delivery options primarily within the UK, stating “The majority of our pieces are sent out using our courier network on a next day service” and “Deliveries are Monday to Friday as standard.” There is no explicit mention of international shipping on the homepage text provided.
How does asheswithart.co.uk handle the ashes or hair sent to them?
Asheswithart.co.uk provides detailed instructions on how to send ashes or hair safely. They send a pack with a sealable bag, a wooden spoon, and a freepost returns envelope. They also recommend Royal Mail’s “Special Delivery” service for faster and more secure delivery.
What materials does asheswithart.co.uk use for their memorial jewellery?
They work with Sterling Silver, 9ct and 18ct Yellow, Rose, and White Gold, and Platinum. They also use high-quality ethical lab-grown diamonds and gemstones, as well as handcrafted glass ashes gemstones.
Why does asheswithart.co.uk not use resin in their memorial jewellery?
Asheswithart.co.uk explains that they advise against using resin because it has the possibility of discoloring (turning off-yellow), warping, or falling out due to shrinkage. They also state that resin products cannot get wet or be exposed to too much sun, making them unsuitable for durable jewellery.
Can I visit asheswithart.co.uk in person to place an order?
Yes, asheswithart.co.uk has a studio and showroom in Worthing, BN11 1DN, where customers can visit, see samples, try on jewellery, and place orders in person. They welcome walk-ins but recommend booking an appointment. Thonk.co.uk Review
What is the warranty period for products purchased from asheswithart.co.uk?
All products from asheswithart.co.uk come with a 12-month warranty against manufacturing defects. Pendant chains, however, are guaranteed for three months due to wear and tear.
Does asheswithart.co.uk offer a price match guarantee?
Yes, the website prominently displays a “Price Match” feature, indicating they aim to match competitors’ prices for similar items.
How long does it take for an online order to be ready from asheswithart.co.uk?
Online orders are typically ready in approximately 2 weeks from the receipt of the ashes or hair.
What if I don’t know my ring size when ordering a memorial ring from asheswithart.co.uk?
Asheswithart.co.uk offers a solution: you can choose “I’m unsure – please send me a ring sizer” during the order process. They will then include a ring-sizer with your ashes collection pack.
Are the diamonds used by asheswithart.co.uk ethically sourced?
Yes, asheswithart.co.uk explicitly states they use ethical lab-grown diamonds and gemstones. They mention that diamonds above 0.2ct come with an IGI certificate. Johndoe.co.uk Review
Can I request a free order pack from asheswithart.co.uk?
Yes, customers can request a free order pack to place an order via post. This pack includes a brochure, order form, ring sizer, spoon to decant ashes, and a Freepost returns envelope.
Does asheswithart.co.uk create memorial jewellery for pets?
Yes, the website has a dedicated section for “PET ASHES JEWELLERY,” indicating they offer cremation jewellery for the memorialisation of loved pets.
What is The Welded Bracelet Experience offered by asheswithart.co.uk?
The Welded Bracelet Experience, also known as The Secrets Forever Bracelet, is a fine gold permanent bracelet with no clasp, suitable for ashes and hair. It requires booking an appointment.
How can I contact asheswithart.co.uk customer service?
You can contact them by phone at 01903 216425 or via email at [email protected]. They also provide their physical address for in-person visits.
Does asheswithart.co.uk offer gift vouchers?
Yes, the website includes a link for “Gift Vouchers,” suggesting they are available for purchase. Smoothsale.co.uk Review
What information does asheswithart.co.uk provide about their precious metals?
They detail the differences between 9ct and 18ct gold, the hardness of various metals (silver being softest, platinum hardest), and confirm they use sterling silver which is Rhodium plated to prevent tarnishing. They also hallmark all jewellery according to UK guidelines.
Does asheswithart.co.uk offer Christmas decorations with ashes or hair?
Yes, they have a “CHRISTMAS DECORATIONS” collection designed to keep loved ones in memory during the festive season.
Leave a Reply