A question families ask
What is the ghusl after death?
The ghusl is the washing of the body after death, the last service a family gives the one who has died. It is usually done by trained volunteers from the masjid, men washing men and women washing women, and family members of the same sex may take part. The body is washed gently an odd number of times, then wrapped in the kafan, a plain white shroud.
In more detail
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Privacy and gentleness
The washing is done in a private room, with the body covered from navel to knee throughout. Only those washing, and family who wish to help, are present. The body is handled gently, as it would be if they were alive.
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The right side and the parts of wuḍūʾ first
The washers begin with the right side of the body and the places washed in wuḍūʾ, then wash the whole body.
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An odd number of times, with sidr, and camphor at the end
The body is washed three times, or five, or more if needed, with water and sidr (lote-tree leaves), and camphor is added to the last washing. Then it is dried gently.
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The kafan
A man is shrouded in three plain white sheets, with no shirt and no turban. Many scholars recommend five pieces for a woman: a lower wrap, a shirt, a head covering and two sheets. The ḥadīth behind the five pieces is graded weak, and one garment that covers the body is the minimum.
Ṣaḥīḥ al-Bukhārī 1264 · Sunan Abī Dāwūd 3157 (graded weak) · Ṣaḥīḥ al-Bukhārī 1276
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What a family can ask for
To be present or help; no embalming; plain white cotton; the washing as soon as possible. Many masajid run ghusl workshops, and learning before you need it is a great service.
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Each point gives the sources it rests on. Not a fatwā and not legal advice. · Sources · Something wrong? Tell us