Is the intention (Niyyah) obligatory in washing the deceased?
General Chapter
Al-Mughni
Book of Funerals
Primary text
Intention is obligatory in the washing of the deceased based on one narration. The washing of the deceased is required to be performed once. This single washing is treated as an act of devotion (ta'abbud) concerning something other than actual impurity that would invalidate prayer, thus requiring a single wash similar to Ghusl al-Janabah (ritual purification after sexual discharge). Since the deceased cannot form the intention or pronounce the Tasmiyah (saying Bismillah), these obligations fall upon the washer, as the washer is the one addressed regarding the performance of the washing.
Supporting text
Ata said that a single wash suffices if it cleanses the body. Imam Ahmad disliked a single wash, citing the Prophet's saying, 'Wash her three times, or five times.' This is interpreted as recommendation (Karahah) rather than invalidation, especially since the Prophet commanded washing the Muhram (pilgrim in Ihram) killed by his camel with water and sidr without specifying a number.