The Book Of Funerals

275 International University in Latin America 276 International University in Latin America Unit One Unit One: FUNERALS FUNERALS 277 International University in Latin America Contents of the Unit: • Upon one's Death • Washing and Shrouding the Deceased • Funeral Prayer • Burying the Deceased • Consoling the Relatives • Visiting Graves • Good Deeds done on Behalf of the Deceased 278 International University in Latin America Importance of the Unit: This unit tackles a serious topic that concerns every Muslim. Learning the rulings of funerals helps one avoid falling into the many acts innovated in the ceremonies of the funeral and explains what should be done with the deceased from their death till being buried. It further highlights some other rulings related to the funeral and the deceased. All in all, Islamic religion shows high respect for human being even after death. Learning Objectives: Dear learner, after studying this lecture you should be able to: - Describe what should be done with the deceased right after death and before washing. - Depict the way of washing and shrouding the deceased. - Recognize the Sunnah followed in burying the deceased and visiting the graves. - Recognize the good deeds that benefit the deceased. 279 International University in Latin America Text and Exposition (1) (I) And if his death was certain , his eyes should (2) (3) be closed , and his jaw should be tied and a (4) mirror or another thing should be placed on his (5) abdomen.

(1) Before that, the Messenger of Allah (blessings and peace be upon him) said: "instruct your dying ones to say: la ilaha illa Allah (There is no god but Allah). This must be done gently, for example, you may simply say it in front of the dying person. (2) For that is what the Prophet (blessings and peace be upon him) did to Abu Salamah when he died. (M) (3) Wrapping a bandage around his head to keep his mouth closed. (4) That is to avoid the distension of the abdomen by placing something heavy on it, whether it is a mirror or otherwise.

(5) They should also cover his entire body (unless he died in a state of Ihram) since that was done to the Prophet when he (Peace be upon him) died. (Ag) If someone from his relatives or friends wanted to uncover the head and even kiss the deceased, they may do that for Abu Bakr did it to the Prophet when he (Peace be upon him) died. (B) And they should start the process of washing and burial promptly for the Prophet (Peace be upon him) said: "Hasten with the funeral…" (Ag) and that means that he should preferably be buried where he died and not moved to a different town or country unless that was part of his will, then it should be respected as long as there will be no undue hardship incurred. It is also important to pay off his debt as soon as possible for the Prophet used to command that as in many reports. 280 International University in Latin America (1) (II) [Washing] And when they start to wash him, 1. his nakedness should be covered; and 2. his abdomen should be squeezed gently; and 3. the washer should wrap his hand with a cloth and wash his private areas; and (2) 4. make wudu' for him ; and (1) Washing the dead, shrouding him and praying on him are all collective/communal obligations. This type of obligation takes precedence over all supererogatory deeds, and some, including Imam al-Haramain considered them even higher than the individual obligations.

There are details in comparing the two types, and there is no simple answer. (2) Ag) reported that the Messenger of Allah (blessings and peace be upon him) said: "Start with the right parts of her and the parts washed in wudu'." That is when he instructed the women who washed his daughter Zainab (may Allah be pleased with her). 281 International University in Latin America 5. then wash his head and beard with water and the ground (1) leaves of the lote tree ; and (2) 6. then he should wash his right side; and then the left ; and then wash his entirety. 7. Then a second time and then a third; 8. each time he presses with his hand on his stomach, and if something came out of him he then washes it (the filth) and stuffs it (the rectum and anus) with a piece of (3) cotton , and if that didn't stay, then with clay; and he (1) Soap would serve the same purpose. (2) (Ag) reported that the Messenger of Allah (blessings and peace be upon him) said: "Start with the right parts of her and the parts washed in wudu'." That is when he instructed the women who washed his daughter Zainab (may Allah be pleased with her). (3) Preferably scented with hunoot, which is a mixture of camphor and sandalwood made into a perfume. 282 International University in Latin America repeats his ablution; and 9. if washing three times didn't suffice in cleaning, he (1) should increase it to five or seven ; and 10. then he dries him out with a cloth; and 11. perfume should be applied to his skin folds and the (2) spots of prostration .

And if he applies perfume to his (3) entire body, it would be good . And he should scent (4) his shrouds with incense ; and (1) For the Prophet (blessings and peace be upon him) instructed the women who washed Zainab to do so ( 3 or 5 or 7) or even more if they see fitting (Ag). (2) The body parts that touch the ground during prostration. (3) For the Prophet (blessings and peace be upon him) instructed the women who washed Zainab to use camphor (Ag). (4) For the Messenger of Allah (blessings and peace be upon him) said: "If you perfume a dead body, do it three times." (A & H) from Jabir.

This applies to the body as well as the shrouds. The companions used aloes-wood. 283 International University in Latin America 12. if his moustache or nails were long, he trims them and (1) should not comb his hair .