The washer and those who assist him alone should be present during the washing; it is disliked for anyone else to attend.

The washing begins by raising the deceased’s head to a near-sitting position. The washer then passes his hand over the abdomen and gently presses it so that whatever is ready to be expelled comes out, while pouring ample water to carry the discharge away. He next wraps a coarse cloth around his hand, cleanses the private parts with water, makes the intention, says “bismillah,” and performs ablution for the deceased just as for prayer, except for rinsing the mouth and nose. For these two it is sufficient to wipe the teeth and nostrils with a wet finger or with a cloth moistened with water, without letting water enter the mouth or nose.

He then washes the head and beard with the lather of sidr (lotus leaves) or soap. After that he washes the right side of the body: the right side of the neck, then the right arm and shoulder, followed by the right half of the chest, the right flank, thigh, shin, and foot. The body is then turned onto its left side so that the right half of the back can be washed. Next, the left side of the body is washed in the same manner; after turning the body again onto its right side, the left half of the back is washed. Sidr or soap may be used together with the water throughout, and it is recommended that the washer keep his hand wrapped in a cloth while washing.

One complete wash is obligatory if the body becomes clean; three washes are recommended. If cleanliness is not achieved, further washes are added—up to seven—until the body is thoroughly clean.