What is the correct description that has been related from the Prophet (peace be upon him) regarding washing the deceased? A – The legal description of washing the deceased is that the person washes the private parts of the deceased and then he begins washing him (his entire body). He starts by washing the limbs like in Wudhu (ablution). He performs his ablution for him except that he does not put water into the deceased's mouth or nose. He only moistens the cloth and cleans his nose and mouth with it. The he washes the rest of the body and that is done with lotus leaves. The lotus leaves should be grounded then put with water. Then it should be hit with the hand until it has a foamy lather. The lather is used to wash the person's head and beard. The rest of the body is washed with the leftover lotus leaves, because they will cleanse the body well. Camphor is put while completing the washing. Camphor is a well-known perfume. Scholars mention among its benefits that it causes the body to harden and it repels vermin from it. If the body of the deceased is dirty, then the person may wash it more. The Prophet (peace be upon him) told the women who were washing the body of his (deceased) daughter, “Wash her three times or five times or seven times or more than that if you think it is necessary.” (Al-Bukhari, no. 1259, and Muslim, no. 939) Then, after this, the person should wipe the deceased's body and place it in its shroud. – Sheikh Bin Uthaymeen; Fatawa Islamiyah, vol. 3, pg. 56
