Method Of Ghusl For Deceased
QUESTION:
Please provide a detailed method of Ghusl for the Mayyit, particularly for a female Mayyit.
ANSWER:
We have mentioned a detailed method of performing Ghusl for a deceased male and female hereunder:
Method of Bathing the Deceased
The following is the method of bathing the deceased:
1. Istinjaa
One will commence the Ghusl by making Istinjaa (washing the private parts) for the deceased. While making the Istinjaa, one should wear gloves. The private parts of the deceased should not be touched with one’s bare hands. The Istinjaa will be carried out by inserting the hands beneath the cloth which was placed over the Satr. This is done so that the Satr of the Mayyit is not exposed. The Satr of a male is the area from the naval to below the knees. The Satr of a female before females, is the same as the Satr of a male. It is not permissible for the one carrying out the Istinjaa or giving Ghusl to a male or female to look at the private parts and Satr of the deceased.
2. Wudhu
Wudhu will thereafter be made for the deceased. When performing the Wudhu, one will begin by washing the face, followed by washing the hands up to the elbows, then Masah of the head will be made, and lastly, the feet will be washed. The Wudhu will be carried out in accordance to the normal method of Wudhu, observing all the Sunnats of Wudhu i.e. Khilaal of the beard, fingers and toes, Masah of the ears, etc. However, the only difference when making Wudhu for the deceased is that the following three actions will not be carried out at the beginning of Wudhu; one will not commence the Wudhu by washing the hands of the deceased up to the wrists, gargling his mouth and putting water into his nostrils, as is done by a living person. Rather, one will commence the Wudhu by washing the face of the deceased.
Note:
Some Fuqahaa have stated that it is permissible to wet some cotton wool and use it to clean the teeth and nostrils of the deceased.
If the deceased was in the state of Janaabah (impurity) or a woman was in the state of Haidh or Nifaas, then according to some Fuqahaa, it is better (though not obligatory) to put water in the mouth and nostrils. In this case, water will be inserted into the mouth and nostrils by wetting some cotton wool and rubbing it in the mouth and nostrils.
3. Ghusl
After completing the Wudhu, the Ghusl of the Mayyit will be carried out in the following manner:
1. The water used to wash the Mayyit will be heated to a moderate temperature with lotus leaves or any other cleansing agent. In the absence of lotus leaves or any other cleansing agent, one may suffice on ordinary warm water.
2. One will commence by washing the head and beard of the deceased. Soap, or any other cleansing agent, will be applied to the head and beard of the deceased when washing them.
3. The Mayyit will thereafter be made to lie on his left side so that his right side will be washed first.
4. Water will be poured three times on the entire right side, from the top to the bottom i.e. starting from the shoulder until the feet, in such a manner that the water reaches the left side.
5. The Mayyit will then be turned onto his right side, after which the left side of his body will be washed thrice.
6. The Mayyit will then be made to sit up while leaning back slightly, and his/her stomach will be rubbed gently. If any stool or urine comes out of the body, it will be washed off and the Istinjaa will be made for the second time. The excretion of the urine or stool will not affect the Wudhu or Ghusl in any way. Hence, there will be no need to repeat the entire Wudhu or recommence the Ghusl.
7. Finally, the Mayyit will be made to lie on his/her left side once more, and water mixed with camphor will be poured thrice on the entire right side from the head to the feet in such a manner that the water reaches the other side of the body. In this final washing, the Mayyit will not be turned onto his/her right side and washed again.
8. Thereafter, the Mayyit will be dried with a cloth or towel before he is made to wear the Kafan.
9. Itr will be applied to the head and beard. Camphor will be applied to the places of Sajdah i.e. forehead, nose, both palms and knees and the toes. In the absence of camphor, Itr could be applied to these places.
Note:
• The above-mentioned method of Ghusl is the Sunnah method (i.e washing the deceased three times). However, if the body is only washed once, the Ghusl will be valid, since washing the body once is Fardh. If there is a need to wash the body more than three times, it will be permissible. However, if there is no need to do so, it will be Makrooh.
Reference:
1.The Laws of Janaazah Pg.43-47, prepared by Madrasah Ta’leemuddeen, Isipingo Beach, Durban
2. Kitaabun Nawaazil Vol.6 Pg. 75
3. Fatawaa Uthmaniyah Vol. 3 Pg. 192
ALLAH TA’ALA ALONE IN HIS INFINITE KNOWLEDGE KNOWS BEST!
ANSWERED BY:
Mufti Abdul Kader Fazlani
Date: 27 Rabi-ul-Aakhir 1447 / 20 October 2025
CHECKED AND APPROVED BY:
Mufti Yacoob Vally Saheb