What is the ruling on the number of washings and the use of Sidr, and when is camphor added?
General Chapter
Al-Mughni
Book of Funerals
Primary text
The obligatory amount for washing the deceased is one single washing, as it is an obligatory washing not due to contamination by impurity, similar to post-Janabah or post-menstruation washing. It is recommended to wash three times, each with water and Sidr. Camphor must be placed in the water during the final, third washing to firm, cool, and perfume the body, based on the Prophet’s command to wash his daughter three, five, or more times, and to place camphor in the last washing.
Supporting text
Whole Sidr leaves must not be used, as the purpose of Sidr is for cleansing, which requires it to be crushed. Imam Ahmad disliked the practice of throwing seven whole Sidr leaves into the water during the final washing. If the deceased is not purified after three washes due to excessive filth, the washing should be increased to five or seven, always in odd numbers, as per the Prophet's command.