Ghusl al-Mayyit Guide: Minimal vs. Perfect Method (Shafi’i Fiqh)

Many people feel nervous or afraid when asked to participate in the washing of the deceased. There is a great fear: “What if I make a mistake? What if it is invalid?”

In fact, Islam is a religion that makes things easy. In emergency situations (for example, limited water, a corpse in poor condition, or very limited time), we do not have to perform lengthy rituals. There is a minimum limit that makes the bath still valid.

However, of course, if conditions are normal, we want to give the best final respects in a perfect manner (akmal).

This article will thoroughly discuss two methods: The Minimal Method (Obligatory Validity) and The Perfect Procedure for Washing a Corpse, complete with the Arabic text of the intention for washing a corpse, prayers, and the technical implementation based on the book Asna al-Matalib.

Before water is poured, ensure the physical condition of the deceased is prepared. If the joints of the deceased are stiff or their mouth is open, take the necessary steps as explained in the guide “4 Mandatory & Sunnah Actions Immediately After Someone Dies” to ensure the washing process goes smoothly.

Two Levels of Washing the Deceased

The Shafi’i scholars divide the method of washing a corpse into two levels. Understanding this difference is very important so you don’t panic when facing an imperfect situation.

1. Minimum Limit: What is Essential for Validity (The Least)

This is a “shortcut” permitted by Sharia. If these conditions are met, the kifayah obligation is fulfilled and the body may be shrouded.

In the book Asna al-Matalib, Sheikh Zakariya al-Anshari explains:

فصل: (وأقل الغسل استيعاب البدن) بالماء (مرة بعد إزالة النجس) عنه إن كان فلا تكفي لهما غسلة واحدة, وهذا مبني على ما صححه الرافعي في الحي من أن الغسلة لا تكفي عن الحدث والنجس …… (وإن كان جنبا) أو حائضا كما سيأتي; لأن الطهارات تتداخل (ولو بلا نية) ؛ لأن القصد من غسله النظافة, وهي لا تتوقف على نية; ولأنها إنما تشترط في سائر الأغسال على المغتسل لا الغاسل والميت ليس من أهلها 

Article: The minimum limit for washing a corpse is to evenly distribute water over the entire body once after any impurities on the body have been removed first, if such impurities exist. Therefore, a single pour is not sufficient to simultaneously remove ritual impurity (hadas) and physical impurity (najis). This is based on the opinion strengthened by al-Rāfi‘ī regarding the living, that a single washing cannot simultaneously remove hadas and najis.

If the deceased is in a state of junub (ritual impurity) or (for women) menstruating—as will be explained later—then a single washing is sufficient, because various forms of ritual purity can encompass each other. This washing of the deceased is valid even without intention, because the main purpose of washing the deceased is to cleanse the body, and cleanliness does not depend on intention. Furthermore, intention is only required for other ritual baths for someone bathing themselves, not for someone washing another person. Whereas the deceased is no longer among those who are legally competent or able to intend.

(Asna al-Matalib Volume 1, Page 299)

So, the minimum standard is only two steps:

1. Remove Impurities: Ensure there is no impurity adhering to the body.
2. Even Pouring 1x: Pour pure water over the entire body (from hair to the tips of the feet) only once.

Finished. The body is now considered pure. This method is very useful for disaster victims or in conditions of severe water crisis.

2. The Perfect Procedure for Washing the Corpse (Al-Akmal)

This method is full of etiquette and caution, preserving the honor of the deceased as if they were still alive. Here is the detailed sequence based on Asna al-Matalib:

A. Preparation and Protection (Solitude & Seclusion)

The body of the deceased should not be washed in an open place where it can be seen by anyone.

1. Secluded Place (Khalwah):

It is recommended to perform the washing (of the deceased) in a secluded/covered place, under a roof, so that the physical shame of the deceased is preserved.

قوله: (ويغسل في خلوة) … (وللولي الدخول) … (وإن لم يعن)

“Bathed in a secluded place… A guardian (close family member) may enter even if they do not participate in helping.”

2. Using Clothing (Qamish):

This is a sunnah that is often neglected. The deceased should be washed while wearing a loose-fitting gown/thin garment, so that water can penetrate but the private parts remain covered. If no clothing is available, it is obligatory to cover the area between the navel and knees with cloth.

قوله: (وأكمله أن يقمص) أي يجعل عند إرادة غسله (في) قميص; لأنه أستر له

“And the perfect way is to dress him in a gown (thin garment) when about to be washed, as it provides more coverage.”

3. Position of the Deceased:

Laid on a washing platform (a raised place) with the head slightly elevated so that dirty water flows down. The deceased’s feet are directed towards the Qibla (like the position of a person in the throes of death).

B. Initial Cleansing Process (Istinja’ & Tanlif)

1. Positioning the Body:
   Position the body slightly leaning backwards, rest its back against your right knee, while your right hand holds its shoulder. Place the thumb of your right hand at the nape of the neck to prevent the head from drooping.
2. Massaging the Abdomen:
   Use the left hand to massage the abdomen with sufficient (but gentle) pressure to expel any remaining impurities.
   قوله: (ويمر يده اليسرى على بطنه ويبالغ) … (لتخرج) منه (الفضلات)
   “And massaging his left hand on the deceased’s abdomen and pressing it (with exaggeration) so that the remaining impurities come out.”
3. Istinja’ (Cleansing after relieving oneself):
   Wrap the left hand with a piece of cloth (glove). Clean the qubul (front/genitals) and dubur (back/anus). After cleaning, discard the cloth.
   قوله: (ويغسل) … (دبره ومذاكيره) … (وعانته) … (بخرقة منهما)
   “And wash the anus and genitals… and the pubic hair… using a piece of cloth.”

C. Cleaning Teeth and Nose (Without Opening the Mouth)

Replace the new cloth patch on the left index finger (wet). Brush the deceased’s teeth without opening their jaw so that water does not enter the stomach. Then clean their nostrils with the left little finger wrapped in a wet cloth.

قوله: (ولا يفتح أسنانه) لخوف سبق الماء إلى جوفه … (ثم ينظف بها) يعني بإصبعه الخنصر … (منخريه)

“And do not open the deceased’s teeth… then clean both nostrils with the little finger.”

D. Performing Ablution on a Corpse (Like the Ablution of a Living Person)

Perform a complete wudu (ablution) as if you were alive (intention for wudu, washing the face, hands, head, ears, and feet).

Important: When washing the face (nose & mouth), do not let water enter, simply wipe it wet. Tilt the deceased’s head so water does not enter.

قوله: (ثم يوضئه كالحي بمضمضة واستنشاق) … (ويميل فيهما رأسه لئلا يدخل الماء باطنه)

“Then perform ablution on him as if he were alive… and tilt his head so water does not enter.”

E. Washing Hair and Beard

Wash his head and beard using foam from the leaves of the lote tree (sidr) or soap. Comb his hair gently with a wide-toothed comb. If any hair falls out, collect/keep it to be included in the shroud.

(ثم يغسل رأسه ثم لحيته بالسدر) … (ويسرحهما بمشط واسع الأسنان) … (فإن سقطت شعرة ردها)

F. The Technique of Washing the Body (Three Main Washes)

After being cleansed of impurities and performed with ablution (wudu), proceed to the core of the bathing ritual. Remember, it is Haram to turn the body of the deceased prone (face down). Simply tilt it to the right and left.

1. First Pour (Right Side): Wash the front right side of the body (from the face to the feet), then tilt the body to the left to wash the right back.
2. Second Pour (Left Side): Wash the front left part of the body, then tilt the body to the right to wash the left back.
3. Third Pour (Completion): Pour water over the entire body from head to toe evenly. It is recommended to repeat this up to 3 times (an odd number).

قوله: (ثم يغسل شقه الأيمن مما يلي الوجه) … (ثم الأيسر كذلك ثم يحوله لجنبه الأيسر فيغسل شقه الأيمن مما يلي القفا)

“Then wash the right side of the front… then the left side of the front. Then tilt to the left side to wash the right back…”

G. The Use of Camphor & Drying

Camphor: In the final rinse, mix in a little camphor (kafur) to make the body fragrant and cool.

قوله: (ويجعل في كل واحدة من) هذه (الثلاث) … (كافور أو) هو (في الأخيرة آكد)

“And place camphor in every washing (or, more emphasized, in the final washing).”

Drying (Tansyif): After completion, it is obligatory/strongly emphasized to dry the body of the deceased with a towel until completely dry, so that the shroud does not become wet (which can accelerate decomposition).

قوله: (ثم يبالغ في تنشيطه) لئلا تبتل أكفانه فيسرع فساده

“Then be diligent in drying it (with a cloth/towel) so that the shroud does not become wet, thus accelerating decomposition.”

It is worth noting that using cold water and camphor at the end of the washing is sunnah (recommended). To understand the medical and fiqh reasons why warm water should be avoided, read the full explanation in the article: The Law of Using Warm Water, Bidara, and Camphor for the Deceased.

Summary Table: Minimal Standards vs. Perfection (Asna al-Matalib Version)

Point	Minimal (Valid)	Perfect (Most Complete)
Clothing	Covering navel to knees	Wearing a Thin (Gamis) garment that absorbs water
Teeth & Nose	Not obligatory	Cleaned with a finger wrapped in wet cloth
Wudu (Ablution)	None	Performed after Istinja’ & before bathing
Pouring Order	Directly and evenly	Right Front -> Left Front -> Right Back -> Left Back
Water	Absolute Water	Sidr Water (Beginning) & Camphor Water (End)
Drying	Not obligatory	Highly Emphasized (Mubalaghah)

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Intention (Arabic & Latin Text)

Although the intention to wash the deceased is not an essential pillar (rukun), it means it is permissible to wash the deceased without intending to do so as explained above. However, it is recommended (sunnah) for the one washing the body to make an intention. Here is the intention recited in the heart by the one washing the body:

1. Intention for Performing Ghusl (Male):

نَوَيْتُ الْغُسْلَ أَدَاءً عَنْ هَذَا الْمَيِّتِ لِلّٰهِ تَعَالَى

Nawaitul ghusla adaa’an ‘an hadzal mayyiti lillahi ta’ala.

2. Intention for Washing (a Woman):

نَوَيْتُ الْغُسْلَ أَدَاءً عَنْ هَذِهِ الْمَيِّتَةِ لِلّٰهِ تَعَالَى

Nawaitul ghusla adaa’an ‘an hadzihil mayyitati lillahi ta’ala.

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Important Note from Asna al-Matalib: If after the washing is completed, impurity comes out again from the body of the deceased, it is sufficient to only clean the impurity, there is no need to repeat the washing from the beginning.

قوله: (فلو خرج) من الميت (بعد الغسل نجاسة) … (كفاه غسلها) من غير إعادة غسل

“If impurity exits after performing ablution… it is sufficient to only wash the impurity without repeating the ablution.”

Hopefully this guide provides clarity between what is obligatory and what is recommended, so that we can manage the deceased with correct knowledge in accordance with the guidance of the Shafi’i scholars.

The Difference Between Washing the Body of a Deceased Male and Female

Generally, the technique is the same, but there are some details in how to wash the body of a deceased woman that need to be considered:

1. Braiding Hair: If the deceased woman has long hair, it is sunnah to first loosen any braids or ties during the washing. After it is clean and dry, the hair should be braided into three sections (two from the sides, one from the crown of the head) and placed down her back.
2. Mahram/Muhrim:
   • Male Corpse: It is obligatory for a male to wash the body. A wife may wash her husband, and vice versa.
   • Female Corpse: It is obligatory for a woman to wash the body. The husband may wash his wife. If there are no women or husband available, the female corpse is given tayammum (according to some opinions to preserve her private parts), or washed by a male mahram (close relative) with a thick layer of cloth.

Summary Table: Minimum Standards vs. Perfection

To make it easier to understand, here’s a comparison:

Point	Minimum Standard (Valid)	Perfect Standard (Sunnah)
Condition	Emergency / Little Water / In a Hurry	Normal / Sufficient Water
Sequence	Remove Impurity -> Rinse 1x Evenly	Istinja’ -> Wudu -> Rinse 3x (Right-Left)
Material	Absolute Water (Pure)	Absolute Water, Sidr (Leaf), Soap, Camphor
Hair	As long as water reaches evenly	Untangled then braided into three (women)
Wudu	Not obligatory	Highly recommended (Sunnah)

FAQ: Questions About the Janazah Washing (Funeral Bath)

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Learning the procedure for washing the deceased is not only a provision of knowledge, but also mental preparation. One day, our parents, spouses, or children may need our hands to purify them for the last time.

Don’t forget, before the washing process begins, ensure the deceased has received proper first aid so that their body is not stiff. You can read the guide in the article: 4 Mandatory & Sunnah Actions Immediately After Someone Dies.

And if you want to know what to do after the body is purified and shrouded, please proceed to our article: A Complete Guide to the Procedures for Caring for a Corpse (Tajhizul Jenazah) According to the Sunnah.

May Allah make it easy for us to handle the bodies of our families in the best way.

And Allah knows best.