Ghusl Procedure

Washing The Deceased

Checklist in preperation:

The individuals doing the Ghusl should be in a state of wudhu.
Wear gloves, aprons as provided for your own protection.
Place the deceased on a table, with the clothes removed and the aurah covered with a sheet of cloth.
Ensure privacy for the deceased (i.e. covering of the aurah).
This is a crucial requirement at all times during the ghusl (Make sure the cloth does not become transparent when wet)
The head and the upper body of the deceased should be raised slightly. (Ensure that the water and fluids when washing flow outwards and not back into the body)
Remove any items or objects which are on the deceased
(If there is any active bleeding or wound discharge, then this may be padded / dressed).
Ensure the washing water is warm
(check the temperature of the water before starting the ghusl)

The Ghusl - Key Points

Start with Bismillah

Clean away any impurities from the body using warm water. Mainly around the aurah area but can be elsewhere.

Privacy & Clean the Private Parts

Press lightly on the stomach of the deceased to expel any impurities. Now wash the body of all impurities using water and then wash the (covered) private parts (change of gloves is recommended).

Perform Wudhu

Perform wudhu for the deceased with the exception of inserting the water in the nose and in the mouth. (You may use a piece of wet cotton woo! to clean nose and front teeth).

Wash the body odd Number of times

Wash the body with water and soap starting from the head (hair, face and beard for men); then the upper right side of the body; then the left side; after that the lower right side then the lower left. In the case of a female, her hair should be loosened, washed, combed, and be braided in three braids, and placed behind her back – this wash should be done an odd number of times – with 3 being the minimum.

Dry the body and shroud

In the last wash, the washer may use camphor in water, to pour over the body and ittar/perfume to be placed on the forehead, nose, hands. The body should now be dried and covered with a clean sheet. (The aurah must kept covered at all times).