Ghusl: Islamic Ritual Washing Guide

Illustration representing Ghusl ritual washing

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.

Key points at a glance:

Ghusl should be performed by same-sex family members or trained volunteers
The body is washed three times (or more in odd numbers)
Water mixed with lotus leaves (sidr) or soap is used
The final wash often includes camphor for fragrance
Most UK mosques have ghusl facilities and volunteers
Some funeral directors offer ghusl services

What is Ghusl?

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.

Who should perform Ghusl?

Islamic teaching specifies who should wash the deceased:

Priority order for performing Ghusl:

Spouse – a husband may wash his wife and a wife may wash her husband
Same-sex close relatives – parents, children, siblings of the same gender
Same-sex extended relatives – aunts, uncles, cousins of the same gender
Trained community volunteers – same-sex volunteers from the mosque or Muslim community

Important rules

Same-sex requirement – men wash men, women wash women (except spouses)
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

Items needed for Ghusl

The following items are typically used during ghusl:

Clean water – plenty of lukewarm water
Sidr (lotus leaves) – or natural soap as an alternative
Camphor – added to the final wash for fragrance
Cotton wool – to block body openings
Clean cloths – for washing and drying
Gloves – for those performing the washing
Covering cloth – to maintain the deceased's modesty throughout
Table or platform – a raised washing surface
Kafan – the burial shroud, ready for after washing

Step-by-step Ghusl procedure

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 for fragrance. Additional washes (in odd numbers) may be done if needed.
Drying – Gently dry the body with clean cloths.
Shrouding – Wrap the body in the kafan (burial shroud) immediately after drying.

Special circumstances

Martyrs (Shaheed)

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.

Bodies that cannot be washed

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.

Miscarried or stillborn babies

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).

Post-mortem cases

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.

Where to arrange Ghusl in the UK

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 cemeteries – facilities like Gardens of Peace have ghusl rooms
Home – less common but possible with proper preparation

Finding Ghusl volunteers

If family members cannot perform ghusl, community volunteers can help:

Contact your local mosque's burial committee
Ask a Muslim funeral director to arrange volunteers
Contact the mosque where the deceased regularly prayed
Reach out to local Islamic organisations

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 for Ghusl

Costs vary depending on where ghusl is performed:

Mosque volunteers – often free or donation-based
Muslim funeral director – typically included in their package or £100-£300 separately
Cemetery facilities – may be included in burial fees
Kafan materials – £30-£100 depending on quality

After Ghusl: The Kafan

Immediately after ghusl, the body is wrapped in the kafan (shroud):

Kafan for men (3 pieces):

Izar – lower body wrap
Qamis – shirt-like upper covering
Lifafah – large outer sheet

Kafan for women (5 pieces):

Izar – lower body wrap
Qamis – upper covering
Khimar – head covering
Khirqah – chest wrap
Lifafah – large outer sheet

Arranging Ghusl urgently

To arrange ghusl quickly for same-day or next-day burial:

Step 1: Contact mosque immediately

Call the mosque as soon as possible. Most have emergency contact numbers for out-of-hours situations.

Step 2: Confirm who will perform Ghusl

Decide if family will participate or if volunteers will handle everything. Confirm same-sex volunteers are available.

Step 3: Transport the body

Arrange for the body to be transported to the ghusl location. A funeral director can help, or family may transport in some cases.

Step 4: Have kafan ready

Ensure the burial shroud is available. Most mosques and Muslim funeral directors can provide kafan if needed.