Authored by: Shaykh Mubashir Ahmad Rabbani (Hafidhahullah)
Question:
Please describe the Sunnah (Prophetic) method of giving Ghusl to the deceased.
Answer:
➊ The deceased should be given Ghusl three times or more as needed.
➋ The number of washings should be odd.
➌ When washing, leaves of the lote tree (sidr) should be added to the water for cleanliness and purification, or a substitute such as soap may be used.
➍ For the final washing, a fragrance should be added to the water, with camphor being the preferred choice if available.
➎ For a deceased woman, her hair should be untied, and each strand washed thoroughly.
➏ Her hair should then be combed.
➐ The hair should be braided into three plaits and placed behind her back.
➑ When performing Ghusl, start with the right side and the areas washed during Wudu (ablution).
➒ If the deceased was in a state of Ihram (pilgrim's attire), no fragrance should be applied.
➓ The 'awrah (private areas) of the deceased should be covered with a cloth or towel throughout the washing process.
⓫ It is recommended for the one performing the Ghusl to take a Ghusl afterward.
⓬ A martyr who dies in battle should not be washed.
⓭ Other martyrs (such as those who die from stomach illnesses, plague, or burning) should be washed by consensus.
Question:
Please describe the Sunnah (Prophetic) method of giving Ghusl to the deceased.
Answer:
➊ The deceased should be given Ghusl three times or more as needed.
➋ The number of washings should be odd.
➌ When washing, leaves of the lote tree (sidr) should be added to the water for cleanliness and purification, or a substitute such as soap may be used.
➍ For the final washing, a fragrance should be added to the water, with camphor being the preferred choice if available.
➎ For a deceased woman, her hair should be untied, and each strand washed thoroughly.
➏ Her hair should then be combed.
➐ The hair should be braided into three plaits and placed behind her back.
➑ When performing Ghusl, start with the right side and the areas washed during Wudu (ablution).
➒ If the deceased was in a state of Ihram (pilgrim's attire), no fragrance should be applied.
➓ The 'awrah (private areas) of the deceased should be covered with a cloth or towel throughout the washing process.
⓫ It is recommended for the one performing the Ghusl to take a Ghusl afterward.
⓬ A martyr who dies in battle should not be washed.
⓭ Other martyrs (such as those who die from stomach illnesses, plague, or burning) should be washed by consensus.