❖ Permissibility of Uncovering the Face of the Deceased ❖
✍️ Written by: Imran Ayub Lahori
❀ Uncovering the Face of the Deceased is Permissible ❀
It is permissible for those present at the time of death to uncover the face of the deceased. This view is also held by Shaykh al-Albani (رحمه الله).
➤ [Ahkam al-Jana’iz, p. 31]
➊ Narration of Jabir رضي الله عنه:
“لما قتل أبى جعلت أكشف الثوب عن وجهه أبكي ونهوني والنبي صلى الله عليه وسلم لا ينهاني“
“When my father was martyred, I began to uncover the cloth from his face while weeping. People tried to stop me, but the Prophet ﷺ did not prevent me.”
➤ [Also cited in the same reference]
➋ Narration of A’ishah رضي الله عنها:
It is narrated that when Abu Bakr رضي الله عنه arrived, the Prophet ﷺ had been covered with a striped garment:
“فكشف عن وجهه ثم أكب عليه فقبله“
“He uncovered his face, then leaned over him and kissed him.”
➤ [Bukhari: 1241, 1242, Kitab al-Jana’iz: Chapter on Entering Upon the Deceased After Death; Ibn Hibban: 2155; Bayhaqi: 3/406]
✔ Conclusion:
These authentic narrations establish the validity and permissibility of uncovering the face of the deceased, especially for close relatives or loved ones, as evidenced by the actions of the noble companions in the presence of the Prophet ﷺ.
