Is it obligatory to remove the deceased's clothes before washing?
General Chapter
Al-Mughni
Book of Funerals
Primary text
It is recommended to remove the garments of the deceased to prevent anything from emerging that could soil them or the garments themselves. The deceased should be covered with a covering cloth, such as the 'Habra' cloth mentioned in the narration of Aisha regarding the Messenger of Allah (peace be upon him). The body should not be left directly on the ground to prevent accelerated decay, but placed upon a bier or plank for better preservation.
Supporting text
The preferred action during washing is to strip the deceased, covering the area between the navel and the knees. This is the apparent position of Al-Khiraqi based on a narration from Al-Athram regarding Ahmad. This view is preferred by Abu Al-Khattab and is the madhab of Ibn Sirin, Malik, and Abu Hanifa.