women: that which lies between the navel and the knee. Accordingly, the deceased is stripped of everything except that which lies between the navel and the knee: if the deceased is a man, this applies in relation to men; and if she is a woman, in relation to women.

Thus, by his statement, “his private parts,” the author means that which lies between the navel and the knee.

His statement, “and he removes his clothes,” means that he removes the deceased’s garments. He first covers his private parts, wrapping a cloth around them, and then removes his clothes.

The evidence for this is both a transmitted report and rational consideration.

As for the transmitted report, it is the statement of the Companions when they wished to wash the Prophet, may Allah’s peace and blessings be upon him: “Should we remove the clothes of the Messenger of Allah as we remove the clothes of our deceased?” (1)

As for rational consideration, removing his clothes is more effective in cleansing him, and the situation calls for cleansing; the more complete the cleansing is, the better.

His statement, “and screens him from people’s sight,” means that he should be concealed from people’s view. This differs from covering the private parts, for covering the private parts is obligatory, whereas this is recommended. That is, he should be washed in a place where people cannot see him, whether in a room or, if he is in the open countryside, in a tent or the like. Concealing the deceased from people’s sight is preferable to exposing him, for he may be in an unpleasant condition, and his appearance before people may become a form of gloating over him. Moreover, he may be frightening and alarming to those who see him, especially for certain people, since some are greatly startled upon seeing a deceased person. Thus, screening him from people’s sight is more appropriate and more protective.