What is the ruling if necessity dictates a man must wash a female relative (mahram) due to the absence of women?
General Chapter
Al-Mughni
Book of Funerals
Primary text
If necessity arises where a man must wash a female relative because no women are available, the ruling is that he washes her while she is still wearing her garments, pouring water over her without touching her. This applies to all mahram women in such circumstances. This ruling is supported by the opinion of Al-Hasan, Muhammad, Malik, and the companions of Abu Hanifa.
Supporting text
Muhanna reported that Ahmad initially stated a man should not wash his sister if no women are present, but later permitted washing her by pouring water over her while she wore clothes.