How to give Ghusl to a Dead Body” Do you want to know how to give Ghusl to the dead in Islam? We can explain the Method of Bathing the Dead to you straightforwardly. In Islam, after death, the rights of the deceased have been taken care of; they are given a bath, And their last rites are performed with full Manners.
In Islam, the process of giving Ghusl (ritual purification) to a deceased person is one of the most significant and sacred rituals. Ghusl, which means full-body washing, is required to purify the body before it is buried. This act is not just about physical cleanliness; it’s a spiritual preparation for the hereafter, reflecting respect and dignity for the deceased. The ritual is usually performed by close family members or those knowledgeable about Islamic burial practices. Let us learn how to do the Ghusl of the dead in Islam.
Understanding the Importance of Ghusl
Ghusl for the deceased is an essential part of the Islamic funeral rites. According to Islamic teachings, every Muslim who passes away should be honored and treated with care and respect. The Ghusl is not only about cleaning the body but also about ensuring the deceased is prepared in the purest form to meet Allah. This process is considered a final act of love and service to the departed.
Hadith about washing the dead
Bathing the deceased is obligatory. Hazrat Umm Atiya narrates about washing a dead body that Hazrat Muhammad (PBUH) came to us while we were giving bath to the daughter) Hazrat Zainab)of the Hazrat Muhammad (PBUH).
So the Hazrat Muhammad (PBUH) said: Give him a single bath with water and berry leaves, That is, three or five times, and finally add camphor. Begin the Ghusl sequence from your side and the organs of ablution.
How to give Ghusl to a dead body
- Bathing the deceased is to wash the throne on which the deceased is to be bathed three, five, or seven times.
- Then, the dead body should be laid on it, and all clothes should be removed except for the Satar.
- Then the bather wraps a cloth on his hand and cleans the private parts first.
- Then, he should perform ablution as in prayer, but in the ablution of the deceased, there is no need to wash and rinse the hands or put water in the nose. Because the beginning of ablution by washing the hands is for the living
- Since another person bathes the deceased, a soaked cloth should be used to clean the teeth, gums, and nose.
- Then, if there is hair on the head and beard, wash it with pure soap. Otherwise, plain water is enough.
- Then, lying on the left crotch, pour the boiled water of berry leaves from head to foot on the right side so that the water reaches the throne.
- Then, fold the right crotch and pour water on the left side similarly.
- If boiled water for berry leaves is not available, plain lukewarm water is sufficient.
- Then, sit on a reclining side and gently rub your hands on the stomach; wash it if there is any discharge.
- Then, pour water over the whole body. By doing this, the obligation was fulfilled.
- After that, the Sunnah will be fulfilled if two more Ghusl are performed.
The first two baths should be in lukewarm water with berry leaves/soap. In the third bath, camphor should be used in the water. After that, the deceased’s body should be wiped dry and scented. There is a lot of encouragement in Islam regarding the reward for giving Ghusl to the dead.
Step-by-Step Guide to Performing Ghusl
Preparation
Before starting the Ghusl, specific preparations are necessary:
- Ensure that the area where the Ghusl will be performed is clean and private.
- Gather all the required materials: clean water, soap, and several large towels.
- The individuals performing the Ghusl should be the same gender as the deceased. Sometimes, a spouse or close family member of the opposite gender may perform the Ghusl if no same-gender relative is available.
- Those performing the Ghusl should have Wudu (ablution) and should wear gloves out of respect and for hygienic purposes.
Positioning the Body
The body should be placed on a raised surface, such as a table, and covered with a large cloth or sheet. The head should be elevated slightly. The private parts of the deceased should remain covered at all times during the Ghusl.
Washing the Body
- First Wash: Begin by gently washing the private parts of the deceased with a clean cloth without uncovering them. This step is done to remove any impurities.
- Ablution (Wudu): Perform Wudu on the deceased, similar to how a living person would perform it, starting with washing the hands, mouth, nose, face, arms, head, ears, and feet. The Wudu should be done gently and respectfully.
- Washing the Right Side: Pour water over the right side of the body from head to foot. Use your hands to ensure the water reaches every part of the body.
- Washing the Left Side: Repeat the same process on the left side of the body.
- Final Wash: Perform a final wash of the entire body, starting from the head and moving downward, ensuring the body is thoroughly cleansed.
Drying and Shrouding
- After the Ghusl is complete, gently dry the body with clean towels.
- The body should then be shrouded in a plain white cloth, known as a Kafan. The shroud should cover the entire body with multiple layers.
Dua (Supplication)
After the Ghusl, it is customary to recite a supplication, asking Allah to forgive the deceased and grant them mercy. The funeral prayer, known as Salat al-Janazah, will be performed later, often at the mosque or the burial site.
FAQs About Ghusl for a Deceased Person in Islam
Q1: Who is responsible for performing Ghusl on the deceased?
A: The responsibility of performing Ghusl typically falls on close family members of the same gender as the deceased. Knowledgeable community members may perform the Ghusl if family members are not available.
Q2: Is Ghusl mandatory for every deceased Muslim?
A: Yes, Ghusl is a mandatory ritual for every deceased Muslim, except for martyrs who are buried in the state in which they died, as their blood is considered pure.
Q3: What if the body is severely damaged?
A: If the body is severely damaged, Ghusl should still be performed to the best of one’s ability. Tayammum (dry purification using clean earth) may be performed if the body cannot be washed.
Q4: Can a spouse perform Ghusl for their deceased partner?
A: Yes, a spouse can perform Ghusl for their deceased partner, even if they are of the opposite gender.
Q5: How many times should the body be washed?
A: The body should be washed at least three times. It can be cleaned more times if necessary, but the number should be odd, such as three, five, or seven times.
Conclusion
Performing Ghusl on a deceased Muslim is a profound act of devotion and respect. It’s a way to ensure that the person is honored and prepared for their final journey by Islamic principles. Understanding the steps and significance of this ritual can help those entrusted with this responsibility to perform it with the care and reverence it deserves.