The ritual washing, Ghusl al-Mayyit

The ritual washing prepares the deceased for the funeral prayer and the burial. Fard kifaya means: it has to be done, but not everyone has to do it themselves.

Who washes

Women are washed by women, men by men. Spouses may wash each other. Whoever performs the washing must know the rules and have experience.

With us, this is done by someone who knows the rules and has performed the washing for years. If you would like to bring someone who knows the rites, that is possible. Relatives may watch, but they do not have to.

The process

Step by step

The ritual washing is carried out respectfully and with the dignity of the deceased preserved. Throughout the washing, care is taken that the ʿawrah remains covered.

1. 1

   Preparation

   The deceased is prepared for the washing and laid on the washing table. The items needed, such as water, gloves, cloths, sidr and camphor, are set out.

2. 2

   Cleansing the body

   First, any impurities are carefully removed and the relevant areas of the body thoroughly cleaned. The ʿawrah stays covered and is not touched with the bare hand.

3. 3

   Wuḍūʾ

   Next, the parts of the body washed in wuḍūʾ are cleansed. This is done gently, taking care that no water unnecessarily enters the mouth or nose.

4. 4

   Washing the head and hair

   The head and hair are carefully washed and cleansed. For a deceased woman, the hair is braided into three plaits after washing.

5. 5

   Washing the right side

   The full-body washing begins with the right side. The body is carefully washed from top to bottom.

6. 6

   Washing the left side

   Then the left side is washed in the same way.

7. 7

   Washing the back

   The deceased is carefully turned onto the side so that the back and the rear of the body can also be fully cleansed. The body is then gently returned to its original position.

8. 8

   Further washings

   The washing is repeated as cleansing requires. It is usually done an odd number of times, for example three, five or seven times.

   Water with sidr may be used for cleansing.

9. 9

   Final washing

   For the final washing, camphor (kāfūr) is added to the water. The whole body is carefully washed once more.

10. 10

    Drying and preparing for the kafan

    Once the washing is complete, the body is carefully dried. Throughout, the dignity and covering of the deceased continue to be preserved.

    The deceased is then ready to be wrapped in the kafan.

If washing is not possible

In the case of severe injuries, or where washing cannot be carried out, tayammum takes its place. We will tell you openly if that is the case.

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