Using Sandalwood on the deceased

QUESTION:

Please explain the purpose behind putting sandalwood paste on the deceased. Does it benefit the deceased in any way?

ANSWER:

It is recorded in some of the Kitaabs of Fiqh that ‘Hanoot’ should be applied to the places of Sajdah. ‘Hanoot’ refers to a scent that is made from a combination of different perfumes. Sandalwood retains its fragrance for a long period of time, hence it is used on the places of Sajdah. Camphor is also used on the areas of Sajdah which are, the forehead, nose, both hands, both knees and both feet. Sandalwood is also used on areas of the body that have been wounded, when Ghusl is being executed. In conclusion, sandalwood is used for its fragrance.

(قَوْلُهُ: الْحَنُوطُ) هُوَ بِفَتْحِ الْحَاءِ عِطْرٌ مُرَكَّبٌ مِنْ أَنْوَاعِ الطِّيبِ. اهـ. ع (قَوْلُهُ: عَلَى مَسَاجِدِهِ) جَمْعُ مَسْجَدٍ بِفَتْحِ الْجِيمِ مَوْضِعُ السُّجُودِ. اهـ. (تبيين الحقائق ص237 ج1)

 ويجعل على رأسه ولحيته حنوط- لأن التطييب سنة- والحنوط: عطر مركب من أنواع الطيب، وعلى مساجده: كافور، وهي الجبهة والأنف واليدان والركبتان والقدمان. (منحة السلوك في شرح تحفة الملوك ص210 ج1)

ALLAH TA’ALA ALONE IN HIS INFINITE KNOWLEDGE KNOWS BEST!

ANSWERED BY:

Mufti Mohammed Desai

Date:-  08 Muharram 1445 / 27 July 2023