The primary purpose of Ghusl al-Mayyit (the ritual washing of the deceased Muslim) is purification and honour in preparation for the deceased’s transition to the afterlife.
It is a communal obligation (Fard Kifayah) for the Muslim community; if some members perform it, the obligation is lifted from the rest. Here is a breakdown of its significance:
Ritual and Spiritual Purification (Tahara)
- Fulfilling the Divine Command: Ghusl is a major purification required for a Muslim to enter a state of ritual purity (tahara). Just as a living Muslim must perform Ghusl after certain major impurities to pray, the deceased is given this final, complete purification before being shrouded and meeting their Creator.
- Preparation: The deceased is place on a raised platform (ghusl table) in a private, clean area. The ‘awra (private area) must always remain covered with a thick cloth.
- Istinja (Cleaning Private Parts): Use gloves or wrap cloths around the hands to clean the front and back private parts with water, using moderate pressure on the stomach to remove any impurities.
- Wudu Precedes Ghusl: The washing process begins by performing the minor ablution (Wudu) on the deceased, followed by the full-body wash. When performing ablution for the deceased it is done without placing water in the mouth or nose. Instead, a wet cloth or cotton wool is used to
- Ghusl (Full Body Wash):
- Wash the head and beard (if applicable) with soap or scented leaves.
- Wash the right side of the body, then the left, starting from the upper body to the lower body.
- Turn the body on its left side to wash the back right side, then turn to the right to wash the back left side.
- Final Wash: The final, or third, wash should be with water mixed with camphor or perfume.
- Drying: Gently pat the body dry with a clean towel.
- Post-Wash: If bodily fluids are released after washing, the area should be cleaned, but the wudu and ghusl do not necessarily need to be repeated unless the bodily fluids are excessive.
- Three Washes: The deceased is typically washed an odd number of times (at least three), often using:
- Water mixed with Sidr (lote-tree leaves/soap) for cleansing.
- Water mixed with Camphor for purification, fragrance, and a mild preservative effect.
- Pure, clean water for the final rinse.
Dignity and Respect (Ikram al-Mayyit)
- Honouring the Deceased: The process is meticulously performed with great care and gentleness, ensuring the deceased’s modesty and dignity are maintained at all times (the body is kept covered). It is a final act of kindness and respect from the living community toward the departed.
- Preparing for the Last Journey: Ghusl is the first step in the final preparations, which include shrouding (Kafan) and the funeral prayer (Salat al-Janazah). It ensures that the body is in the best possible condition—clean and perfumed—before burial.
Following the Sunnah
- Prophetic Teaching: The entire procedure is based on the practices and instructions of the Prophet Muhammad, making it a foundational element of Islamic funeral rites. Following these steps is an act of worship.
In essence, Ghusl al-Mayyit is a necessary act of spiritual and physical cleansing performed to ensure the deceased is presented in a state of purity and honour before being laid to rest according to Islamic tradition.
Camphor
The substance used in Islamic burial rites is traditionally camphor (Kāfūr), which is sometimes mistakenly referred to as “mothballs” due to its strong, penetrating aroma and white, waxy appearance (though camphor is distinct from the naphthalene typically found in modern mothballs).
The use of camphor is an established practice in the Islamic tradition, derived from the Sunnah (teachings and practices) of the Prophet Muhammad, and serves both spiritual and practical purposes:
Spiritual & Traditional Purpose
- Following the Sunnah: The use of camphor is based on authentic narrations (Hadith), such as the account of the Prophet Muhammad instructing the women washing his deceased daughter to put some camphor in the last wash.
- Perfuming the Body: The camphor acts as a strong, pleasant perfume (Hanūṭ) for the deceased, which is considered an act of honor and respect. It is often applied to the parts of the body that touch the ground during prayer (forehead, nose, hands, knees, and feet) due to their noble status.
- The Presence of Angels: The pleasant fragrance is also traditionally thought to be beneficial due to the presence of angels who attend the washing and burial.
Practical Purposes
- Deodorising/Aromatic: Camphor is an effective aromatic that helps to counteract or mask any unpleasant odours from the body, ensuring a dignified environment for the family and those performing the final rites.
- Mild Preservative/Drying Agent: Camphor has mild antiseptic, drying, and cooling properties. Its use in the final wash can help to stiffen the body and delay the initial stages of decomposition, which is particularly important as
- Quick Burial: Islamic tradition dictates burial should take place as soon as possible, ideally within 24 hours.
- Insect Repellent: The strong smell of camphor is a natural repellent for insects and vermin.
