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Ghusl (غسل) is Islamic ritual washing of the deceased before burial, a communal religious obligation. Performed by same-sex relatives or trained mosque volunteers; whether a spouse may do it differs by school. Body washed an odd number of times with water, sidr (lotus leaves), and camphor in the last wash. Most UK mosques have facilities and volunteers. Done before the Janazah prayer.
Ghusl is the Islamic ritual washing performed on the deceased before burial. It is considered a communal obligation (fard kifayah) and an act of mercy and respect. This guide explains the procedure, who should perform it, and how to arrange it in the UK.
Ghusl (غسل) is the full ritual washing of a Muslim's body after death. It is one of the four essential rites for the deceased, alongside shrouding (kafan), funeral prayer (Janazah), and burial.
The washing serves both a spiritual purpose—purifying the body for burial—and a practical one, cleaning and preparing the deceased with dignity and respect. It is considered a final act of care from the Muslim community.
Islamic teaching specifies who should wash the deceased:
Important rules
- Same-sex requirement – men wash men, women wash women, with the spouse exception described above
- Children – a young child may be washed by either gender
- Confidentiality – what is seen during ghusl must remain private
- Number of washers – typically 2-4 people assist
The following items are typically used during ghusl:
The Ghusl process
- Preparation – Place the body on a raised surface. Cover the awrah (private areas) with a cloth. Make intention (niyyah) to perform ghusl.
- Initial cleaning – Gently press the stomach to expel any remaining waste. Clean the private areas while keeping them covered—the washer should not look directly at them.
- Wudu (ablution) – Perform wudu for the deceased: wash the face, hands to elbows, wipe the head, and wash feet.
- First wash – Wash the entire body starting from the right side, using water mixed with sidr (lotus leaves) or soap. Turn the body gently to wash all areas.
- Second wash – Repeat the full body wash with plain water or water with sidr.
- Third wash – Final wash with water containing camphor. Further washes may be done if needed, keeping the total an odd number — the instruction reported from the Prophet was "wash her three times, or five, or more than that if you see fit", with camphor in the last (Sahih al-Bukhari 1253).
- Drying – Gently dry the body with clean cloths.
- Shrouding – Wrap the body in the kafan (burial shroud) immediately after drying.
The battlefield martyr (shaheed al-ma'raka) who dies fighting in defence of Islam is not washed but buried in their clothes with their blood, as a testimony to their sacrifice.
However, Islamic tradition recognises broader categories of martyrdom whose souls receive the reward of shaheed but who are still washed and shrouded normally. These include those who die from plague or epidemic, drowning, building collapse, fire, childbirth, stomach ailments, and defending one's family or property. Consult a scholar for specific situations.
If the body is badly damaged or there are health concerns (such as infectious disease), tayammum (dry ablution) may be performed instead. The hands are wiped with clean earth or dust, then wiped over the face and hands of the deceased.
If the baby showed signs of life (movement, crying), full ghusl is performed. If stillborn without signs of life after 4 months gestation, ghusl is still typically performed but Janazah prayer may not be required (scholars differ on this).
After a post-mortem examination, ghusl should still be performed. The body may need additional care due to incisions. Experienced volunteers can handle these cases sensitively.
Most UK mosques have ghusl facilities or can direct you to suitable locations:
Options for Ghusl facilities
- Local mosque – many have dedicated ghusl rooms and trained volunteers
- Muslim funeral directors – offer ghusl as part of their services
- Hospital mortuary – some hospitals accommodate religious washing
- Muslim burial grounds – some have their own ghusl rooms; the burial ground or your mosque will say
- Home – less common but possible with proper preparation
If family members cannot perform ghusl, community volunteers can help:
For families who wish to participate
If family members want to help but lack experience, mosque volunteers can guide them through the process. This allows family to be involved in this final act of care while ensuring it is done correctly.
Costs vary depending on where ghusl is performed:
No official source publishes what ghusl or kafan cost, so this page does not give figures. What can be said is where the charge falls:
Immediately after ghusl, the body is wrapped in the kafan (shroud):
To arrange ghusl quickly for same-day or next-day burial:
Call the mosque as soon as possible. Most have emergency contact numbers for out-of-hours situations.
Decide if family will participate or if volunteers will handle everything. Confirm same-sex volunteers are available.
Arrange for the body to be transported to the ghusl location. A funeral director can help, or family may transport in some cases.
Ensure the burial shroud is available. Most mosques and Muslim funeral directors can provide kafan if needed.