Ladies visiting the Ghusl Khana
Question:-
During the pandemic many people passed away. During this period, families weren’t permitted to take the bodies of the deceased home. From the Ghusl Khana, the body would be taken straight to the graveyard. Now, can the women visit the Ghusl Khana if it is located at the graveyard?
Answer:-
We do understand that every person desires to take a last and final glance at his/her beloved before they are laid to rest in the Qabr (grave). This may be our last glance at our beloved one in this Dunya, but hopefully we will be united with them in the hereafter (in Jannah), where we will enjoy eternal bliss and happiness forever Insha’Allah.
In this temporary world there are certain restrictions placed upon us which is purely for our benefit. The command of Shariah directed towards women to remain indoors and not to emerge except due to necessity, is to protect them from all forms of evil and harm. When the Shariah hasn’t permitted women to attend the congregational Salaah (which is Fardh), then how can they be visiting the Ghusl Khana at the graveyard? Yes, it is a different matter if a female has passed away and females will be assisting with the Ghusl in which case they will be permitted to emerge from their homes.
Generally, the Ghusl Khanas are frequented by males, with some of them being actively involved in the Ghusl, and others standing outside and engaging in conversation, whereas this is the time to engage in some good deeds and pass over the rewards to the deceased. These men inevitably (at some stage or the other) intermingle with the women and sometimes even engage in conversation with the women which is incorrect, even though it may be in the form of consoling the female family members, particularly when they are Ghair Mahram to each other. Many females come to the Ghusl Khana without covering themselves appropriately as required by Shariah. Women are therefore discouraged from frequenting such venues. In fact, it is advisable that they remain at home, engage in the Ibaadat of Allah Ta’ala, and pass over the rewards to the Marhoom as this will be most beneficial to the deceased. Ultimately, we will all meet tomorrow on the day of Qiyaamah and in Jannah forever Insha’Allah, where we will enjoy the company of our beloved ones. May Allah Ta’ala grant all our Marhoomeen the highest ranks in Jannah and unite us with them in Jannah. Ameen!