Skip to main content

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

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 (ï·º) 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 (ï·º) 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 (ï·º) 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 (ï·º) 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 (ï·º) 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 (ï·º); 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 (ï·º) *"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.

Comments

Popular posts from this blog

Why Did Islam Prohibit Alcohol?

Why is Alcohol Forbidden in Islam? Science Reveals the Wisdom Introduction Alcohol consumption is explicitly prohibited in Islam, as stated in the Quran and the Sunnah. While some may question the wisdom behind this prohibition, modern science reveals numerous physical, psychological, and social harms caused by alcoholic beverages, confirming the divine wisdom behind Islamic legislation.   In this article, we will explore the religious evidence for the prohibition of alcohol, followed by a discussion of the scientific harms discovered by modern researchers, demonstrating how Islam preceded science in warning against this deadly poison.   Chapter 1: The Prohibition of Alcohol in Islam ### **1. Evidence from the Quran**   Allah Almighty prohibited alcohol decisively in several verses, including:   - **First Stage: Mentioning its harms without explicit prohibition**     Allah says:     > **{And from the fruits of th...

Islamic Guidelines for Engagement (Khitbah): Sunnah & Solutions Today

 Chapter on Engagement (Al-Khitbah): Its Rulings and Etiquettes in Islam Introduction Engagement (*Al-Khitbah*) in Islam is the initial stage preceding marriage, an important phase prescribed by Islamic law to ensure the formation of a stable family based on love and mercy. It serves as a legitimate prelude to marriage, allowing the suitor (*Khatib*) and the betrothed (*Makhtoobah*) to get to know each other within Islamic guidelines and agree on the terms of marriage. Islamic law has established rules and regulations governing this phase to ensure its integrity and prevent any violations.   In this article, we will discuss **the chapter on engagement**, covering its definition, legitimacy, rulings, etiquettes, and related legal guidelines, supported by evidence from the Qur’an, Sunnah, and scholarly opinions.   Chapter One: Definition and Legitimacy of Engagement  1. Definition of Engagement (Linguistically and Legally)  - **Linguistically**: Derived ...

Are you predetermined or free to choose?

                     The issue of fate and freedom of choice in life In the name of God, and that is sufficient, and peace and blessings be upon the Chosen Prophet and those who follow his guidance, for through him they were guided and emulated. Now then, the issue of predestination and free will is one of the most perplexing issues that has baffled Muslim scholars due to its extreme complexity. I have not found an answer that satisfied my questioner's soul except from one of the scholars, Sheikh Al-Shaarawy, who provided a logical answer that satisfied the questioner's curiosity. He said that humans are surrounded by three types of actions, as follows: A1 .A ctions that are inflicted upon them: The simplest example is that  when you leave the house, for example, and find the sky raining or   snowing, or that you find the weather hot or cold. These are actions that are inflicted upon you. If I were to ask you whether you ...