until he is clean, even if this exceeds seven washes. Camphor is added to the final wash; hot water, ushnan (a cleansing plant), and a toothpick may be used when needed. …
His statement, “even if it exceeds seven,” means that the number is increased beyond seven, on account of the Prophet’s saying, peace and blessings be upon him: “Or seven, or more than that if you consider it necessary.” This is because the purpose of washing the deceased is purification, and he may not become clean after seven washes; therefore, more washes are added until he is clean.
However, the washing should end on an odd number. Thus, if he becomes clean after four washes, a fifth is added, because this is what is mentioned in the hadith.
His statement, “Camphor is added to the final wash,” is based on the Prophet’s saying, peace and blessings be upon him: “Put camphor, or some camphor, in the final wash.” (1) Camphor is a well-known white fragrance resembling alum. It is ground and placed in the vessel used for the final wash.
The scholars said: Camphor was chosen over all other fragrances for two benefits:
- It is cool.
- One of its distinctive properties is that it repels insects and vermin from the deceased, for such creatures come to the deceased in the grave, and its scent drives them away from him.
His statement, “Hot water, ushnan, and a toothpick may be used when needed,” means that it is preferable to wash the deceased with cold water. However, if there is a need for hot water—for example, if much accumulated dirt is on him—then it may be used. But it should not be intensely hot water that adversely affects the skin.