(#100)
Assalamo alaikum w.w.
I have some questions that need answering if you possibly have the time.
Now and then, I help bathe the dead.
Is it compulsory to perform ghusl afterwards? Or just sunnah?
I have heard that you can perfume the body. Is this permissible for female also?
Jazakallah for your time.
P.S. A sister passed away, her family placed some bits of paper
(I think it had some surah or such) inside her shroud. They were told that it’s not permissible.
They took it out, but later, when we were closing the shroud ( they had undid it so family members could view the face) we noticed that they had placed some black colored thread over the eyes and probably put the papers back also.
What should be done in such cases? My sister informed me that they had done the same when another family member had passed away. And in the other case, had forced the eyes open to place the thread.
Answer
بسم الله الرحمن الرحيم
السلام عليكم و رحمة الله و بركاته
حامدا و مصليا و مسلما
Muhtaramah
We received your various queries dated 22/04/15. Our response follows:
1) It is preferable for a person to perform Ghusl after washing the deceased.
ويندب الاغتسال فى ستة عشر شيأ…..و عند حجامة و غسل ميت ) خروجا للاختلاف من لزوم الغسل بهما)
(امداد الفتاح-ص109 و حاشية الطحطاوى على المراقى-ص 108-قديمى)
2) The Fuqaha have mentioned that it is Mandub (preferable) to apply Itar (alcohol-free perfumes) to the hair and beard of a male mayyit. Itar should not be applied to the hair of a female mayyit. However, camphor should be rubbed on the places of Sajda (forehead, nose, hands, knees and feet) for both men and women with camphor. Itar should not be applied to the Kafan nor should bits of cotton wool soaked with perfume be placed in the ears of the Mayyit.
(و يغسل رأسه و لحيته بالخطمى)
نبت بالعراق-طيب الرائحة يعمل عمل الصابون نهر…..(و يجعل الحنوط العطر المركب من الاشياء الطيبة غير زعفران و ورس على رأسه و لحيته) ندبا (و الكأفور على مساجده الخ
(رد المحتار- 196-2)
(Refer to Kitabul Janaiz, death and burial- Majlisul Ulama of South Africa)
3) Verses of the Qur’an should not be placed in the grave in such a way that they become soiled in impurities and dirt. If they are placed with the deceased (in such a manner wherein they are soiled and dirty) then they should be removed before the burial. The family should be made to understand this through the medium of senior Ulama. Together with this, once the Kafan has been worn it should not be opened so that people may view the face of the deceased.
(Raddul Muhtaar- 246, 238/2- Saeed)
(Fatawa Mahmodiya- VL 9- Pg 98, 99- Faroqiyah Jadeed)
(Ahsanul Fatawa – Vl 4- Pg 224 and 229)
And Allah Ta’ala knows best
Muhammad Irshad Motara
13th Rajab 1436
2nd May 2015
Checked and approved by:
Mufti Musayab Sahib
13th Rajab 1436
2nd May 2015
