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What is Zakat Due On? The 5 Categories from Authentic Hadith

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Islamic Funeral Rulings: Washing, Shrouding, & Burial Guidelines

 The Funeral Rulings in Islam



Chapter: Washing the Deceased 

Washing the deceased is a religious obligation that must be performed for a deceased Muslim. It is a *fard kifayah* (communal obligation), meaning if some perform it, the sin is lifted from the rest.  


**Method of Washing**:  

1. The washer should be trustworthy, knowledgeable about the rulings, and preferably a relative of the deceased.  

2. The deceased’s private parts should be covered, and the body slightly elevated for proper cleaning.  

3. The body is washed with water and *sidr* (lote leaves) or soap, starting from the right side and the purest parts.  

4. The deceased is given *wudu* (ablution) as for prayer, then the head and beard are washed with water and *sidr*.  

5. The entire body is washed three times or more if needed.  

6. The body is dried with a clean cloth, then shrouded.  


**Evidence**: The Prophet (ﷺ) said: *"Wash her with water and sidr."* (Bukhari & Muslim).  


Chapter: The Shrouding of the Deceased 



Shrouding is an obligatory right of Muslims toward their deceased. It is recommended to use clean white cloth.  


**Rulings on Shrouding**:  

1. **Shroud from the deceased’s wealth**: If they left wealth; otherwise, it is provided by the treasury or the community.  

2. **Shroud for men**: Three white sheets, without a shirt or turban.  

3. **Shroud for women**: Five pieces—a waist wrapper, headcover, shirt, and two winding sheets.  

4. **Simple shrouding is best**: Extravagance should be avoided.  


**Evidence**: The Prophet (ﷺ) said regarding his daughter Zainab’s shroud: *"Shroud her in three white sheets."* (Bukhari & Muslim).  



Chapter: Walking in Front of the Funeral Procession

Accompanying the funeral procession is a confirmed Sunnah. It is recommended for mourners to walk behind the bier unless there is a need to walk ahead.  


**Rulings on Walking with the Funeral**:  

1. **Walking behind the bier is best**: As was the practice of the Prophet (ﷺ) and his companions.  

2. **Walking ahead is permissible if necessary**: Such as guiding the carriers.  

3. **Riding is allowed if needed**: But walking is better for those who can.  


**Evidence**: The Prophet (ﷺ) said: *"Whoever attends the funeral until the prayer is offered will have one *qirat* (reward), and whoever stays until burial will have two *qirats*."* (Bukhari & Muslim).  


Chapter: Following the Funeral with Fire (Torches)

It is not permissible to follow a funeral with fire or torches during the day, as this was a pre-Islamic custom Islam prohibited.  


**Ruling**:  

- **Torches at night if necessary**: Only if darkness requires illumination.  

- **Avoid extravagance**: Using torches unnecessarily is discouraged.  


**Evidence**: The Prophet (ﷺ) prohibited following funerals with torches during the day.  


Chapter: Saying Takbeer in Funeral Prayers 

Praying over the deceased is a *fard kifayah*, with a minimum of one *takbeer*, though four are recommended.  


**Method of Funeral Prayer**:  

1. **Intention**: To pray for the deceased.  

2. **Takbeers**: Four *takbeers*—after the first, recite Surah Al-Fatihah; after the second, send blessings on the Prophet (ﷺ); after the third, supplicate for the deceased; and after the fourth, conclude with *salam*.  

3. **Supplication for the deceased**: Seek forgiveness and mercy for them.  


**Evidence**: The Prophet (ﷺ) *"would say four *takbeers* in the funeral prayer."* (Muslim).  


Conclusion

Funeral rulings in Islam uphold the rights of the deceased and outline respectful treatment, avoiding innovations and pre-Islamic customs. Funerals serve as a reminder of the Hereafter, and proper burial is a sign of honoring the dead.  


And Allah knows best.

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