The legal Description of washing the Deceased
Question :
What is the correct description that has been related from the Chosen One (the Prophet) regarding washing the deceased?
Answer:
The legal description of washing the deceased is that the person washes the private parts of the deceased and then he begins washing him (his entire body). He starts by washing the limbs like in Wudhu' (ablution). He performs his ablution for him except that he does not put water into the deceased's mouth or nose. He only moistens the cloth and cleans his nose and mouth with it. Then he washes the rest of the body and that is done with lotus leaves. The lotus leaves should be ground then put with water. Then it should be hit with the hand until it has a foamy lather. Then the lather is taken and the person's head and beard are washed with it. Then the rest of the body is washed with the leftover lotus leaves, because it will cleanse him well. Then camphor is put in the last washing. Camphor is a well- known perfume. The scholars have said that from its benefit is that it causes the body to harden and it repels vermin from it.
If the body of the deceased is very dirty, then the person may wash it more. This is due to the Prophet's statement to the women who were washing the body of his (deceased) daughter:
"Wash her three times or five times or seven times or more than that if you think it is necessary."
Then, after this, the person should wipe the deceased's body and place it in its shroud.
Source:
Ash-Shaykh Ibn 'Uthaimin
Fatawa Islamiyah, Vol. 3 Pages 56-57
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