When preparing the equipment for washing the deceased (janazah), families or officers often feel confused. Some boil water until it boils, some are busy looking for bidara leaves, and some wonder: “Should the water actually be warm or cold?”
This question is not merely a technical matter. In Islam, the treatment of a deceased body has two main objectives: ritual purification and preserving the physical condition of the body so that it does not quickly decompose before burial.
Choosing the wrong water temperature or incorrectly mixing ingredients can turn out to be fatal, such as the skin of the deceased peeling off or the body decaying quickly.
This article will thoroughly explore the secrets of water for washing the deceased based on the book Asna al-Matalib, starting from temperature regulations to sunnah herbal recipes such as sidr (Lote Tree or Jujube) and camphor.
1. Cold Water vs. Hot Water: Which is Better?
There is a common misconception in society that washing the deceased must be done with warm water as a form of compassion so that the body does not get cold. However, Islamic jurisprudence (fiqh) has a very logical medical perspective on this matter.
The Original Rulling: Cold Water is Preferred
According to the book Asna al-Matalib, the best standard for washing a corpse is to use cold water (normal/cool temperature), not warm water.
Why? Because cold water has the property of firming (yasyuddu) flesh and skin. A corpse that is lifeless loses its skin elasticity. Cold water helps maintain the body’s texture to remain solid and not soft.
Sheikh Zakariya al-Anshari explained:
قوله: (ويغسل ببارد) لأنه يشد البدن بخلاف المسخن فإنه يرخيه
“And it is washed with cold water, because cold water firms the body, unlike heated (warm) water which will loosen it (make it limp).”
When is it Permissible to Use Warm Water?
The use of warm water is not absolutely prohibited, but it is disliked (makruh) without a valid reason. However, warm water becomes permissible, even recommended if there is an emergency situation, such as:
- Extreme Weather: The air is very cold and freezing, which can trouble those performing the washing (of the deceased).
- Stubborn Impurities: There are impurities (such as oil, dried blood, or grease) that are difficult to remove if rubbed with cold water.
قوله: (ما لم يحتج المسخن) … (لوسخ وبرد ونحوه) فإن احتيج إليه فهو أولى
“As long as warm water is not needed… for cleaning impurities, cold weather, or the like. However, if it is needed, then warm water is preferable.”
Important Note: If forced to use warm water, ensure the temperature is lukewarm, not too hot. Hot water will accelerate the decomposition process and make the corpse’s skin easily peel off when rubbed.
2. Secrets and Benefits of Bidara (Sidr) Leaves
You may often hear the term “bidara water” in funeral processions. Bidara leaves (Ziziphus mauritiana) are not just a tradition, but a Sunnah of the Prophet SAW that has a specific function.
In the procedure for washing the deceased (janazah), sidr (ber tree leaves) functions as a natural soap. In the past, there was no chemical bar soap, so sidr leaves that were pounded and squeezed in water would produce foam that effectively removes dead skin cells and dirt.
When is Bidara Water Used?
Bidara water is used in the initial pouring or cleansing ritual.
قوله: (ويستحب أن تكون) … (هذه الغسلة بالماء والسدر)
“And it is recommended in this washing (cleansing) to use water and sidr (leaves of the lote tree).”
Its function is for cleansing. The foam of bidara leaves is rubbed all over the body, hair, and beard of the deceased. If bidara leaves are unavailable, regular soap can be a valid substitute, but bidara is still preferred due to its sunnah value.
3. Camphor: The Final Touch
The next essential ingredient is camphor. This is a white crystal that has a distinctive aroma and a cooling property. The benefits of sidr and camphor are different; if sidr is for cleaning, camphor is for preserving.
When is Camphor Used?
Camphor MUST NOT be mixed in at the beginning. It is only used in the final rinse (last one).
In Asna al-Matālib it is mentioned:
قوله: (ويجعل في كل واحدة من) … (كافور أو) هو (في الأخيرة آكد) … (لتقويته البدن ودفعه الهوام)
“And use camphor in every washing (according to one opinion), or it is more emphasized in the last washing… because it strengthens the body and repels insects.”
Vital Functions of Camphor:
- Preservation & Cooling: The cooling property of camphor helps slow down the decomposition of the body.
- Repelling Insects: Its pungent aroma is disliked by ants, flies, or ground insects, thus protecting the deceased within the grave.
- Fragrance: Provides a fresh aroma that masks the unpleasant odor of the deceased.
How to Use: Grind camphor into a fine powder, then dissolve it in a bucket of absolute water. Use this water to pour over the entire body of the deceased as a final rinse. Do not rinse with clean water again after this.
4. Zamzam Water: Is it Permissible to Use?
It is possible that some families keep Zamzam water and want to honor the deceased with it. However, caution is needed.
According to the view in the book Asna al-Matalib, it is not recommended (makruh) to use Zamzam water for washing a corpse.
ولا ينبغي أن يغسل الميت بماء زمزم للخلاف في نجاسته بالموت
“And it is not permissible to wash the corpse with Zamzam water…”
The reason is to respect the sanctity of Zamzam water because there is a difference of opinion regarding the status of the impurity of a deceased person. Furthermore, the water used to wash the deceased is mixed with impurity or filth, so it is a waste if water as noble as Zamzam is wasted as bathing wastewater. Use Zamzam water for tabarruk (seeking blessings) by sprinkling a little on the shroud, not for washing away filth.
Quick Guide Table: Types of Water & Usage Times
To avoid confusion, save this practical guide table:
| Type of Water | Time of Use | Main Function | Fiqh Notes |
| Cold Water (Normal) | Throughout the Process | Tightens the corpse’s skin | Most preferable (Sunnah) |
| Warm Water | Emergency Conditions | Cleanses fat/hard dirt | Disliked unless there is a reason |
| Water + Sidr/Soap | Initial Rinse (First) | Cleanses dirt & grime | Rubbed onto the body |
| Pure Water (Absolute) | Middle Rinse (Second) | Rinses away remaining soap/sidr | Ensure total cleanliness |
| Water + Camphor | Final Rinse (Third) | Preserves & repels insects | Do not rinse again |
FAQ: Frequently Asked Questions About Ghusl Water (Water for the Deceased)
What if you cannot find the leaves of the sidr tree?
No need to panic. Sidr leaves are sunnah (a practice that perfects the ritual). If they are unavailable, you can substitute them with regular bar soap or liquid soap. The purpose is the same: to cleanse impurities.
How much mothballs are used?
Sufficiently. Ensure the final rinsing water smells of camphor but is not too thick to clump on the deceased’s skin. If too thick, white spots will remain on the skin and it will look less neat.
Is it permissible to use ice water?
If the intention is regular cold water (room temperature/well water), that is the best. But if using ice water (frozen), it is excessive and could make things difficult for those performing the task. Use well water or cool tap water.
Is the water used for washing a corpse ritually impure?
Water that has been used and changes color/smell/taste due to corpse impurity is considered impure (najis). Therefore, ensure drainage channels are clear and personnel wear rubber boots to avoid splashes of the impure water.
Managing water for washing the deceased correctly is a combination of Islamic jurisprudence (fiqh) and knowledge of the human physical condition. By using cold water, sidr (lotus tree leaves), and camphor at the appropriate time, we have made the best effort to preserve the dignity of the deceased’s body.
Once you understand this mixture of water, make sure you also understand the technique of pouring it. Is it permissible to pour it directly? Or is there a sequence for the limbs? Learn the details of the technique in the article: Minimal Standards vs. Perfection in Washing the Corpse According to Fiqh.
And if the body has just passed away, do not rush to wash it before performing first aid so that the body does not become stiff. See how to do it at: 4 Mandatory & Sunnah Actions Immediately After Someone Dies.
May Allah grant us understanding and make it easy for us to handle the bodies of our fellow Muslims.
And Allah knows best.
Reference
al-Anṣārī, Zakariyā. Asnā al-Maṭālib fī Sharḥ Rawḍ al-Ṭālib. With a ḥāshiyah by Aḥmad al-Ramlī. Edited by Muḥammad az-Zuhrī al-Ghamrāwī. Cairo: al-Maṭbaʿah al-Maymānīyah, 1313 H. Reprinted by Dār al-Kitāb al-Islāmī.
