What is the ruling regarding washing (ghusl) the body of one unjustly killed or one killed defending property or life?
General Chapter
Al-Mughni
Book of Funerals
Primary text
There are two established narrations concerning one who is unjustly killed, or killed while defending their wealth, or killed while defending their life and family. The first narration permits washing the deceased. This opinion is chosen by Al-Khallal and is the view of Al-Hasan, as well as the established doctrines of Imam Al-Shafi'i and Imam Malik. The reasoning is that the station of such a person is lower than that of a martyr in pitched battle (shahid al-mu'tarak), likening them to one dying of intestinal illness (al-mabtoon). Furthermore, since killings of this nature are not frequent, they are not permitted to be equated with the martyrs of battle.
Supporting text
The second narration states that such a person is neither washed nor prayed over (Janazah prayer). This view is held by Al-Sha'bi, Al-Awza'i, and Ishaq concerning the washing. The justification provided is that this person is considered a martyr, similar to a martyr of pitched battle, supported by the statement of the Prophet, peace be upon him: "Whoever is killed defending his property is a martyr."