Washing the Body of the Deceased

Haitham Al-Haddad

A piece of cloth which is thick enough not to be transparent is used to cover the awrah (private parts of the deceased). The deceased will be lying on a rail that allows water and impurities to escape...

  • Categories: Rulings of washing, shrouding and Funerals -

 

 
In the Name of Allah, Most Gracious, Most Merciful
 
A piece of cloth which is thick enough not to be transparent is used to cover the awrah (private parts of the deceased). The deceased will be lying on a rail that allows water and impurities to escape.
 
Pressure is applied to the stomach to ensure any discharges come out. Water hoses are used to help in the washing process.
 
The Prophet (Peace and Salutations be upon him) instructed Um Atiyyah when preparing the body of his deceased daughter: “Start the bath from the right side and from the parts which are washed in ablution.” [Agreed upon]
 
«ابدأن بميامنها ومواضع الوضوء منه» متفق عليه
 
Simulate the wudhu without putting water in the mouth or nostrils. The person is made to lie on his left side so the right side can be washed first. 3 sheets of cotton are placed with haaunoot in the middle. This is the shroud (kaffan). The sheets are then folded in upon the person and fastened together. 7 strings are used to then tie the shroud and secure it.
 
The person washing requires gloves, a face mask, and Sidr mixed with water. Kaafoor is applied in the final washing to preserve the body and deter insects. It does not dissolve in water.
 
Consider the grave as a vertical hole in the ground. There is also a niche at the bottom of the grave where the deceased body is placed on its side so the chest is facing the Qiblah.
 
The Prophet (Peace and Salutations be upon him) prayed a Janaza for a female deceased and prayed at the midpoint of the lady and at the head of the man. If there are multiple janaza the man is placed closest to the Imam. A male child will be placed after the male but before the female. If there is a female child it will be placed after the women.
 
The grave will usually be dug approximately 1m deep. There will be a niche to ensure the body and face of the deceased is facing the Qiblah. Wood or slabs are then used to protect the body at an angle in the grave. The grave is then filled with soil until the ground is leveled. Pebbles are often used to create a mound of the height of a hand span. Solid mud bricks are then used to mark the foot and head of the grave. There is a fiqh question which can be discussed later whether it is permissible to have writing at a grave i.e. headstones.
 
 
In summary:
 
·         The body is generally washed first of all and the stomach pressed to remove impurities.
 
·         Make Istinga (wash the private parts) while the private parts are covered at all times with a sheet (not the shroud)
 
·         Simulate Wudhu by washing the parts of the body washed in wudhu.
 
·         Wash the body with water and sidr starting with the right side.
 
·         Repeat the process 3, 5 or 7 times as required using Kaafoor with the final wash.
 
·         Ensure you remove the sheet used to cover the private parts at the end without actually exposing the private parts.
 
·         Use the 7 strings to tighten and fasten the shroud.
 
After washing the body it is good to dry it.
 
For a muhrim (person who died on pilgrimage) do not cover the face and head and do not add perfume.
 
Sometimes bukhoor is used to fragrance the 3 white sheets (shroud). Hunoot is also placed on the shroud and the places of sujood.
 
 
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