Do Ancestors Suffer? Traditional Igbo Beliefs on Suffering beyond Death

Abstract

In Igbo culture, most people believe that death is only a transition. It is only a means of passing from the world of men to the world of spirits. Though many have written on the concept of ancestors and ancestral cults in Africa, few have tried to explore the issue of their possible connection to suffering and pain. This study explored Igbo spirituality, philosophy, and cultural beliefs to unravel the complexities surrounding the potential suffering of ancestors in the “land of the dead” and its implications for the nature of evil and human suffering. The study adopted a qualitative research design. Hence, interviews and surveys were done so as to gather qualitative data on respondents’ views, experiences, or beliefs regarding the potential suffering of ancestors. The findings show that in Igbo culture, people believe that an ancestor could suffer if, for example, he breaks the rules of the “cult of ancestors” or neglects his older ancestors while alive. Some of the ways they can experience suffering include hunger, shame, and exclusion from the cult or gathering of their ancestors, mockery, and emotional pain.