Washing the Dead Body of One’s Mother
Question:
Is it permissible for a person to wash his mother’s body after she dies?
Answer:
It is prohibited to uncover the `awrah (the parts of the body that should be kept covered) in front of children who have reached the age of discernment, because Allah has commanded the believers to tell household members who have not reached the age of puberty. This ruling is also applied after death, so a son is not allowed to wash his mother’s dead body. If she has no husband and no women are available, then the jurists said that it is permissible for a male relative to wash her, like her son or her brother, for a dire necessity without taking off her clothes. Rather, he should wash her with her clothes on.
Responding to this question, Dr. Muhammad Salah clarifies that a husband may wash his wife’s dead body and vice versa. `A’ishah (may Allah be pleased with her) narrated that the Messenger of Allah (peace be upon him) said to her, “If you die before me, I will wash you myself.” (Ahmed and Ibn Majah)
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Source: Iqra Youtube Channel.
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