the joints of the deceased—that is, one should try to loosen them. What is meant is the joints of the hands and feet. This is done by bending the forearm toward the upper arm, then the upper arm toward the side, and then returning them.

Likewise, the joints of the legs should be loosened by bending the lower leg toward the thigh, then the thigh toward the abdomen, and then returning them, before the body becomes cold. For once it becomes cold, it remains as it is and washing it becomes difficult, as it will be stiff. But if the joints are loosened, they will remain flexible during the washing, shrouding, and tying of the shroud, making it easier for the washer and the one who shrouds the deceased to wash and shroud him. I do not know of any sunnah concerning this either, but its evidence is rational.

This is because loosening the deceased’s joints serves a benefit. However, they must be loosened gently, not forcefully, for the deceased is entitled to gentleness and mercy.

Removing His Clothes, Covering Him with a Cloth, and Placing a Piece of Iron upon His Abdomen …

His statement, “removing his clothes”: this is the fourth matter, namely, removing the deceased’s clothing. The evidence for this is both textual and rational.

As for the textual evidence, it is the statement of the Companions when the Prophet, peace and blessings be upon him, died: “Should we remove the clothing of the Messenger of Allah, peace and blessings be upon him, as we remove the clothing of our deceased?” (1) Thus, his clothes should be removed.

As for the rational basis: if his clothing were left on him, it would retain the body’s heat and hasten its decomposition. But when his clothing is removed, this is cooler for him, and he is covered with a cloth, as will be mentioned.

The clothing must be removed gently, contrary to what we have seen from some people.