Using camphor in the last wash when washing the dead
Fatwa No: 146943

Question

assalamualikum,sheikh my question is when washing the deseased i forgot to give last wash of camphor is it compulsary to give last wash of comphor for deceased?

Answer

All perfect praise be to Allaah, The Lord of the Worlds. I testify that there is none worthy of worship except Allaah, and that Muhammad is His slave and Messenger.

There is no harm in what you have mentioned as the jurists stated that using camphor in the last wash when washing the dead is desirable and not an obligation. ‘Abdur-Rahmaan Ibn Qudaamah from the Hanbali School of jurisprudence said: “It is desirable to put camphor in the last wash when washing the dead because it makes his body stiff and cool and it perfumes him for the saying of the Prophet to the women who washed his daughter: 'Wash her with water and Sidr for odd number of times: three, five or more, and then put camphor in the last wash.'”

An-Nawawi nearly said the same thing: “It is desirable to put camphor in pure water in each wash, and in the last wash it is more confirmed.”

Moreover, An-Nafraawi from the Maaliki School of jurisprudence said: “It is desirable for the person washing the dead to put camphor in the last wash.”

Finally, we give you glad tidings of the Prophet who said: “Whoever washes the dead and conceals him/her [i.e. does not disclose anything about him/her], Allaah will conceal his sins.” [At-Tabaraani - Al-Albaani graded it Hasan]

For more benefit on how to wash the dead, please refer to Fatwa 84697.

Allaah Knows best.

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