Immediately after death
The first practical things to do for the body right after death, before the ghusl: positioning, closing the eyes, and what to avoid.
As soon as someone passes away, there are a few simple, caring things that are done for their body straight away, before the proper washing (ghusl) later on.
Right after death
- Gently straighten the arms and legs, bringing the feet together.
- Tie a soft cloth under the chin and over the top of the head to keep the mouth closed.
- Gently close the eyes, saying: 'Bismillāhi wa ʿalā millati rasūli'llāh' (In the name of Allah, and upon the religion of the Messenger of Allah).
- Gently tie the two big toes together.
- Cover the whole body with a clean sheet.
- If needed, a light, heavy object can be placed on the stomach so it does not swell.
- If possible, burn some incense nearby.
A short list of practical steps is recommended for the body in the time between death and the ghusl (ritual washing).
Positioning and caring for the body
- Straighten the body: bring the arms down to the sides and the feet together, in line with the thighs.
- Tie a band of cloth to keep the mouth closed, pulled from under the chin, over the top of the head, with both ends tied.
- Gently close the eyes while reciting: 'Bismillāhi wa ʿalā millati rasūli'llāh.'
- Bind the toes together.
- Cover the body with a clean, pure cloth.
- If there is a concern the abdomen may swell, place something heavy, a sword or another metal object, on the stomach.
- Burn incense near the body where possible.
It is recommended to move quickly through the preparations and the burial itself, rather than delaying them.
بِسْمِ اللّٰهِ وَ عَلٰى مِلَّةِ رَسُولِ اللّٰهِ
Bismillāhi wa ʿalā millati rasūli'llāh
In the name of Allah, and upon the religion of the Messenger of Allah.
Between death and the ghusl, a set of practical measures is recommended for the mayyit (the deceased): straightening the limbs, closing the mouth and eyes, binding the toes, covering the body, guarding against abdominal distension, and perfuming the air around it with incense.
Positioning and caring for the body
- Straighten the body: the arms brought down towards the shoulders and the feet brought together in line with the thighs.
- Bind the jaw closed with a band of cloth, drawn from beneath the chin, over the crown of the head, and tied at both ends.
- Close the eyes gently while reciting: 'Bismillāhi wa ʿalā millati rasūli'llāh.'
- Bind the two big toes together.
- Cover the body with a clean, pure cloth (this covering is separate from, and precedes, the kafan proper).
- Where there is concern of the abdomen swelling, a heavy object, a sword or other metal item, is placed on the stomach.
- Incense is burned near the body if available.
Hastening the preparations and the burial is recommended, rather than allowing the process to be drawn out.
بِسْمِ اللّٰهِ وَ عَلٰى مِلَّةِ رَسُولِ اللّٰهِ
Bismillāhi wa ʿalā millati rasūli'llāh
In the name of Allah, and upon the religion of the Messenger of Allah.
Related
- Washing the body (ghusl of the deceased) Who washes the body, the method used, and the water and materials, the full sunnah way of giving ghusl to a deceased Muslim.
- The grave and burial How a grave is dug and shaped, how the body is lowered facing the qiblah, who may enter the grave, and what is said while filling it.
- As death approaches What to do for a Muslim who is dying: facing the qiblah, helping them say the kalimah, and reciting Surah Ya-Sin.
- Carrying the bier to the grave How the bier is carried, who may walk where in the procession, and why women do not take part in it.