What to do when a Muslim dies

‘ALLHUM-MAGHFIR LAH (FOR FEMALE)
O All\h Forgive him / her Muslim
! One person should hold the head of the deceased firmly but gently
from each side for the rest of the process to avoid the possibility of
breaking the neck. (This job should be given to a relative who may
not feel confident to assist in the washing).
! The washer should begin by covering the body from the neck to
the ankles with one of the thick sheets.
! Four people should hold the sheet slightly raised from the body, in
order to allow the washer and his/her assistants to work
unhampered without exposing the `awrah of the deceased.
! Intravenous drips, catheters, tags, other hospital apparatus and
also jewellery should be removed. If they cannot be fully removed
then cut as near to the skin as possible. This is likely to cause
bleeding, so place a small pad of cotton wool over the wound or
tube and secure it with some tape. Dentures should also be
removed if this can be done without harm.
! Remove nail polish with cotton wool and nail polish remover.
! Cut away any hospital clothes and discard.
! It is a good idea to place thick pads of clean dry wool over the eyes,
mouth, ears and nose to prevent excess water running in during
the main washing.
! Make sure all the equipment is ready and that the water is of the
correct temperature or if using a jug, mix the water to the correct
temperature in a large bucket.
! The person washing should then press the stomach of the
deceased firmly but gently and clean any excreta with wet cotton
wool.
! If the person died recently, the head and shoulders can be slightly
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