Fatwa by: Former Grand Mufti of Saudi Arabia, Sheikh Ibn Baz (may Allah have mercy on him)
Question:
We often hear from the public that after death, a wife becomes prohibited (haram) for her husband. As a result, the husband cannot look at his deceased wife or place her in the grave. Is this correct?
Answer:
Islamic evidence confirms that a wife can give ghusl (ritual washing) to her husband, and similarly, a husband can give ghusl to his wife and can also look at her after death. For instance, Asma bint Umais (may Allah be pleased with her) gave ghusl to her husband, Abu Bakr as-Siddiq (may Allah be pleased with him), after his death. Likewise, Fatimah al-Zahra (may Allah be pleased with her) expressed in her will that her husband, Ali (may Allah be pleased with him), should give her ghusl after her death.
This proves that there is no restriction on the husband performing these rites for his deceased wife. Allah is the Giver of Success.
Question:
We often hear from the public that after death, a wife becomes prohibited (haram) for her husband. As a result, the husband cannot look at his deceased wife or place her in the grave. Is this correct?
Answer:
Islamic evidence confirms that a wife can give ghusl (ritual washing) to her husband, and similarly, a husband can give ghusl to his wife and can also look at her after death. For instance, Asma bint Umais (may Allah be pleased with her) gave ghusl to her husband, Abu Bakr as-Siddiq (may Allah be pleased with him), after his death. Likewise, Fatimah al-Zahra (may Allah be pleased with her) expressed in her will that her husband, Ali (may Allah be pleased with him), should give her ghusl after her death.
This proves that there is no restriction on the husband performing these rites for his deceased wife. Allah is the Giver of Success.
