Muslim ritual cleansing is an obligation incumbent on the entire community. In Islam, this is known as "Fard Kifaya". This means that if one or more members of the community take on this obligation, it no longer falls to the rest of the Muslims. Conversely, if no one fulfills this obligation, then the whole community will be in sin. There are many forms of worship that fall under this type of obligation. And today, in view of their importance, we've decided to take a closer look at the case of male body-washing.
So we've devoted these few lines to the subject in its entirety.
Men's body washes: a priceless reward
In fact, the rewards of a man's bodywash are as great as the emotion and importance of the gesture. Indeed, each and every one of us will undergo this ultimate purification. So it's fitting that those who perform it for their brother should pay incomparably close attention. And all the more so as it holds a most wonderful reward.
Indeed, according to Abu Rafi', may Allah be pleased with him, the Prophet ﷺ said: "Whoever washes a believer and reveals nothing about him (i.e. what he may have seen of his body during the washing), Allah forgives him forty times over. Whoever digs his grave and puts him in it has a reward equivalent to having given him a dwelling in which to shelter him until the Day of Judgment. And whoever puts him in his shroud, Allah will clothe him on the Day of Judgment in the silk and brocade of paradise." (Reported by Al Hakim and authenticated by Sheikh Albani in Ahkam Al Janaiz p 69)
So how do you wash a Muslim man's body?
Of course, training is essential for Islamic body washing. Many of our brothers' and sisters' associations are at your disposal. They also organize training and initiation days. So don't miss out on this important knowledge. For the time being, so that you're aware of the main stages involved, here's a brief outline
First of all, the deceased must be prepared by covering the awra, from the navel to the knees in the case of men. Then, the body is rinsed with warm water and the stomach is massaged to empty the body of impurities. Then it's time to clean the intimate parts, from top to bottom, before rinsing. This is followed by small ablutions with clear water. And the large ablutions.
These are performed 3, 5 or 7 times. Depending on the state of the deceased's body. And always in odd numbers. After this, insert cotton into orifices such as the nose or mouth if necessary. Finally, apply musk to the 7 points of prostration. These are the forehead, hands, knees and feet. Finally, it's time to swaddle the deceased in the shroud .
How do I choose a shroud for the deceased?
The shroud is one of the requirements for all male mortuary washing. And this is in accordance with the saying of our beloved Prophet ﷺ: "Wash him with water mixed with jujube and take his 2 garments as a shroud."
In addition, the shroud must be chosen in a white color as reported to us by At Tirmidhi and Abu Daoud through the word of the Prophet ﷺ: "Wear white-colored garments for it is the best of colors and use them as a shroud."
Finally, it is reported from Aicha, may Allah be pleased with her, "The Prophet ﷺ was put in his shroud made of 3 cloths, of Yemenite fabrics, white in color, made of cotton. There was neither qamis nor imama (garment that covers the head)." Reported by Al Boukhari.
It would therefore be advisable for the man in charge of the mortuary washing to have this garment available to cover the deceased in his care. But that's not all. To carry out a mortuary cleansing, a list of specific equipment is required.
What to bring for the men's body wash
As we've seen, the deceased's family will obviously need to provide a white shroud. In addition, the washer will need to provide solid and liquid musk, perfume and rosewater. In addition, aprons, protective gloves, washcloths, masks, undersheets and towels are recommended. Absorbent cotton, bandages, scissors, nail clippers and brushes are also essential. After all, the ultimate aim is to take as much care as possible of the deceased's appearance, whether physical or olfactory. And may Allah grant us all success and mercy.
Finally, it should be borne in mind that this information is not exhaustive. And it is important that the person carrying out the washing should be aware of the need for specific training. Knowing that many Sunnah gestures can be performed during this particular wash. Be sure to perfect your knowledge on this subject.