WHO SHOULD WASH THE CORPSE?

 *WHO SHOULD WASH THE CORPSE?*

It is forbidden (Haram) for persons who engaged in washing the corpse to reveal any deficiencies found in the body of deceased. According to Hadees Al-Haakim, in the course of washing the dead body, if some unusual thing is noticed, it should not be revealed. The saying of the Prophet (Sal) emphasis that the suitable person to wash a corpse is one who will not reveal about any deficiencies found in the performance of his task. Such person would be forgiven by Allah forty times. In washing the corpse, it is the near relatives who are close to the deceased who are fit and proper persons to do it. This would be a good system to prevent talking deficiencies found on janazas. Males should be washed by males and females by females. However it is permissible for the husband to wash the dead body of his wife and vice versa. The preferred order for those entitled to wash a corpse are: Father, Grand Father, Brother, and Parental Uncles.

*Those engaged in washing the corpse should observer the following disciplines:-*

1. The hands to be wrapped round with an old cloth.

2. Finger nails of the deceased should be cleaned.

3. Water should be poured over the body whilst a cloth covering remains over the body.

4. The intention (niyath) to wash the body should be made.

5. Parts of the body on the right side should be washed first, particularly those parts normally washed during ablution.

6. Washing should be an odd number of times.

7. Ilandai leaf, soap or similar things should be used while washing.

8. In the final wash, camphor should be added to the water.

9. Only those engaged in washing the corpse should remain in the place of washing.

10. In the case of female, her hair if plaited, should be loosened prior to washing, and thereafter the hair should be entwined in three braids and let the hair fall at the back.

11. Ablution should be performed.

*Note:*

1. When washing, the lower abdomen should be lightly pressed to excrete any faecal impurities. Pregnant women are not subject to this treatment.

2. Scenting the room where the corpse is laid, or washing with a mixture of perfume is recommended to remove any undesirable smell.

3. A martyr (one killed in a Holy war) will not be washed.