Washing the Body

Ensure the room is clean and private — only those involved in the washing or learning should be present.

• Confirm the drain hose is connected from the table to the floor vent.
• Tilt the table slightly so the feet end is lower — water will drain downward and out.
• Lay out all supplies within reach before you begin washing.
• Small towels used during washing or istinjāʾ are single-use only — discard after each use, do not reuse for another step.

Make your niyyah (intention) silently: performing ghusl for the deceased for the sake of Allah. Say Bismillāh when you begin. Put on the apron first, then gloves over the sleeves — this stops water from running inside toward your arms.

• Bring the stretcher directly alongside the wash table and lock the wheels.
• Upper Body Lead positions at the head and shoulders. Lower Body Lead positions at the hips and legs.
• Lift only 2–3 inches — just enough to slide horizontally.
• The head and neck must be supported at all times. Never let the head fall back.
• Place the awrah cloth before moving and keep it in place throughout the transfer.
• Once on the table, remove clothing, toe tags, and jewelry.

• The area from the navel to the knees must remain covered at all times — this applies to both males and females when washed by the same gender.
• The awrah cover stays on through the entire ghusl and transfer to the kafan sheets. It is removed once the izāar is folded over.
• Replace the cloth if it slips, tears, or becomes too wet to stay in place.
• Wash under the cloth with gloved hands — do not lift or expose it unnecessarily.

• Lower Body Lead cleans impurities from both the front and back, keeping the awrah cloth in place throughout.
• Work under the covering — lift the cloth only the minimum amount needed.
• To release any remaining impurity:
  1. Upper Body Lead lifts the upper back and shoulders slightly.
  2. Lower Body Lead presses the stomach firmly once in a downward motion.
  3. Clean and remove anything that exits.
• Change gloves immediately after istinjāʾ is complete.

Wudu steps (in order):

1. Right hand — wash up to the wrist, getting between the fingers.
2. Left hand — wash up to the wrist, getting between the fingers.
3. Mouth — wipe around the lips with a damp cloth. Do not pour water in.
4. Nose — wipe around the nostrils with a damp cloth. Do not pour water in.
5. Face — Upper Body Lead pours water gently around the face. Keep cotton shielding the openings.
6. Right arm — wash from fingertips to elbow.
7. Left arm — wash from fingertips to elbow.
8. Head — wipe once with a wet hand, front to back. Do not pour.
9. Ears — wipe inside and behind the ears with wet fingers.
10. Right foot — wash to the ankle, getting between the toes.
11. Left foot — wash to the ankle, getting between the toes.

• Minimum: one complete wash covering the entire body.
• Sunnah: wash three times — or five or seven if the body is not yet clean. Always an odd number. The camphor wash (next step) counts as the final wash.
• First wash: with water and sidr (lotus leaves) if available.
• Second wash: use a mild soap or baby shampoo — lather gently, do not scrub.
• Final wash: camphor water (see next step).

Right side: Upper Body Lead washes the right side of the face/head, right shoulder and arm, right chest, right upper back. Lower Body Lead washes the right side of the stomach, right thigh and leg, right foot and back of the right leg. Rinse thoroughly before moving to the left side.

Left side: Same order as above. Rinse thoroughly.

Back: Lower Body Lead crosses one leg over the other to roll the body 30–40°. Upper Body Lead slides a forearm under the shoulder blade and lifts slightly. One person holds steady while the other washes. Then switch roles to wash the other half.

• Crush the camphor block (kāfūr) using mortar and pestle until fine powder.
• Mix the powder into a jug of lukewarm water.
• Pour the camphor water over: face (avoiding mouth and nose), hands, feet, joints (shoulders, elbows, knees, ankles), then lightly over the entire body.
• Do not scrub during the camphor wash — this is a gentle final rinse.

• Pat the body dry gently with clean towels — do not rub.
• Apply itr (non-alcoholic perfume) to the places of sujūd: forehead, nose, palms, knees, and feet. Also apply to the kafan itself.
• Do not apply perfume to the awrah area.
• If the person died in a state of ihrām, do not use perfume.
• The washer should take a bath (ghusl) when they are able — this does not need to happen before shrouding (Sunan Abī Dāwūd 3161).