The Book of Funerals
Section: Washing the Deceased

Closing the eyes of the deceased is sunnah, whereas washing him is obligatory, just like shrouding him and offering the funeral prayer; the one who undertakes these tasks bears the responsibility for completing them.

The sunnah in his washing is to do so an odd number of times—three, five, or seven. One should not exceed seven unless necessity requires it, nor perform fewer than three when seeking the recommended course, although a single wash is legally sufficient.

The washer begins by washing his own hands, then removes any filth from the body, performs for the deceased an ablution like that for prayer, and washes the head by scooping water over it three times. He then pours water over the entire body, rolling him from back to belly, while keeping the private parts covered. He must not touch them directly, but only with a cloth or over a garment, and it is recommended to replace the cloth for each wash. If needed, he may gently press the abdomen. Should the deceased have suffered from smallpox, wounds, or sores, he cleans only what can easily be removed. It is preferable that the first washing be with water mixed with sidr (lote leaves), khatmi (mallow), ushnan (a cleansing herb), or the like.