Rulings and Etiquette for the Dying
It is recommended to position the dying individual on their right side, ensuring that their chest faces the Qibla, similar to how one would be placed in a grave. If this is not feasible, the individual may remain on their back. This positioning is appropriate when the dying person is aware of their impending death, evidenced by a fixed gaze and dilated pupils. Additionally, a Muslim should be guided to recite the testimonies of faith (Shahada) during this critical time. Scholars have varied opinions regarding the recitation of Surah Ya-Sin in such instances; some endorse it, while others advise against it. It is essential for the dying person to maintain a positive expectation of Allah Almighty. After death, their eyes should be closed, and preparations for washing the body should begin.
Guidelines for Washing the Deceased
The washing of the deceased should occur in a specific manner, as outlined below:
- The body should be placed on a washing table, undressed, with a thick cloth covering the private parts to ensure their concealment during the washing process.
- The body must be gently supported and the abdomen carefully pressed to expel any remaining urine or feces. For pregnant women, the abdomen should not be pressed.
- The washer should wrap a cloth around their hand and wash the lower parts of the deceased’s body.
- The washer should intend to perform the washing, invoking Allah’s name, and start with the ritual ablution for the deceased. A damp cotton ball or a similar item should be introduced between the lips and into the nostrils during the mouth rinsing and nasal inhalation, without introducing water into these areas.
- The washing begins with the head, followed by the right side, and then the left side, using water mixed with lotus leaves or soap-like substances. The final wash should include camphor or any other fragrance, such as musk.
- The deceased should be washed three times; if more washes are required, five or seven washes should be performed, ensuring that the number of washes is odd.
- For women, it is recommended to untie their hair and braid it into three plaits at the back.
Guidelines for Shrouding the Deceased
The shrouding of the deceased should be conducted as follows:
- It is preferable to shroud a man with three pieces of cloth, while a woman should be shrouded with five garments, including an izar (wrap), a khimar (headscarf), a qamis (shirt), and two additional wraps.
- Shrouding cloths should be perfumed through fumigation.
- The cloths are stacked on top of each other, with perfume placed between them, specifically blended for the deceased.
- The body should be laid on the shrouding cloths in a supine position.
- Some of the perfume mixture should be placed on a piece of cotton and positioned between the deceased’s buttocks, secured with a cloth.
- Any remaining perfume should be applied to the openings of the deceased’s face and the areas where they used to perform prostration.
- The top wrap should be folded over the deceased’s right side, followed by the other side being folded over the left, and this process continues for the remaining layers.
- All the layers should be tied around the deceased and untied upon placing them in the grave.
Guidelines for Burial
The burial of the deceased should be carried out as follows:
- The grave may be dug either as a trench or a tomb, with the tomb being the preferred option.
- The body should be placed into the grave from the foot end, which is where the feet are positioned during burial.
- The person conducting the burial should say, “In the name of Allah and upon the faith of the Messenger of Allah.”
- It is recommended to position the deceased on their right side, with their face directed towards the Qibla, their head to the right of the Qibla, and their feet to the left.
- The shroud should be untied from the deceased, but their face must remain covered.
- If the grave is a tomb, bricks should be placed behind the deceased, and any gaps should be filled with clay to prevent collapse. In the case of a trench, a covering should be placed above to protect it from soil falling inside.
- Soil should be placed over the deceased to fill the grave, and it is recommended for those present to throw three handfuls of soil.