“He washes his head and beard only with the foam of sidr leaves. Then he washes his right side, then the left, then his entire body three times, passing his hand over his abdomen each time. If three washes do not cleanse him, he adds more until he is clean …

His statement, “He washes his head and beard only with the foam of sidr leaves”:

The author—may Allah have mercy on him—has informed us that the washer must prepare sidr leaves by crushing them and placing them in a vessel of water, then agitating them with his hands until they produce foam. He washes the deceased’s head and beard with this foam, while the remaining sediment is used to wash the rest of the body.

The head and beard are singled out for the foam because, if they were washed with the sediment, particles of it would remain scattered throughout the hair and would be difficult to remove. The foam, however, contains no sediment.

His statement, “He washes his head and beard with the foam of sidr leaves”:

If someone were to ask, “What is the evidence that using sidr leaves in washing the deceased is recommended?”

The answer is the Prophet’s statement, peace and blessings be upon him: “Wash him with water and sidr leaves.” (1) This was despite his being in the state of ihram.

His statement, “Then he washes his right side, then the left,” is based on the Prophet’s statement, peace and blessings be upon him: “Begin with her right side.” (2) Thus, he washes the right side and then the left.

His statement, “Then his entire body three times,” is based on the Prophet’s instruction to the women who were washing his daughter: “Wash her three times.” (3)

His statement, “Each time he passes his hand over his abdomen,” is so that something may come out.