Question 344) - How is a corpse washed?

A: The corpse should be laid on a platform perfumed an odd number of times. The corpse should be laid on a platform perfumed an odd number of times, up to a maximum of seven times just like when he is put in coffin cloth and when he dies, i.e. on three occasions .[ad-Durr al-Mukhtar]
Ash-shami said, "That the perfume should be taken around the platform one, thrice, five times or seven times, nothing more. This is in al-Fath, al-Kafi and an-Nihayah. At-Tabyin sets the maximum at five. 'on three...' means that the corpse is perfumed on three occasions i.e. when the soul departs to remove the bad odour; when he is washed; and when he is dressed..." (574/1)

A cloth should be placed over his private region and his clothing removed. wudu is then made for him, excluding washing his mouth and nose. His head and beard is washed with Khitmi. A plant with a pleasant aroma. He will then be laid on his left side. He will be washed until it is seen that the water reaches the platform beneath him. [Then do the same with the corpse on the right side].The washer will then make him sit and lean against him. He will gently wipe the stomach. If something comes out of the corpse he will wash it there. He will not repeat the full Ghusl. He will then let the corpse lie on its left side and wash it, pouring camphor water over it. That is the third and final wash.

~ al-Quduri ~