What is the ruling regarding the washing (Ghusl) and funeral prayer (Salat) for those killed in battle among the party deemed righteous (Ahl al-'Adl)?
General Chapter
Al-Mughni
Book of Funerals
Primary text
Those killed in battle belonging to the party deemed righteous are treated the same as those killed in the battle against the polytheists regarding Ghusl and funeral prayer. Imam Ahmad stated that the companions of the Camel Battle (Ahl al-Jamal) instructed not to remove their garments or wash the blood from them, asserting they were martyrs. This position is also held by Abu Hanifa. The evidence cited is that Ali did not wash those killed with him, and Ammar ibn Yasir instructed not to be washed and to be buried in his clothes, stating, 'I am going to dispute [my cause].'
Supporting text
Imam Al-Shafi'i, in one of his two opinions, holds that they should be washed, based on Asma washing her son Abdullah ibn Al-Zubayr. However, the former opinion is preferred because Abdullah ibn Al-Zubayr was captured and crucified, making him like one unjustly killed, not a martyr of the battlefield.