Is the washing (Ghusl) of a deceased Muslim performed by a non-Muslim valid?
General Chapter
Al-Mughni
Book of Funerals
Primary text
The washing of a Muslim by a non-Muslim is invalid because it constitutes an act of worship, and the non-Muslim is not considered qualified for worship. This ruling aligns with the view that the deceased non-Muslim is considered impure, thus their washing cannot purify the Muslim being washed. Furthermore, since the non-Muslim is not deemed eligible for worship, their performance of the washing is invalid, analogous to the washing performed by one who is insane.
Supporting text
There are dissenting opinions regarding the washing of a deceased woman accompanied by non-Muslim women, where Mak'hul permitted non-Muslim women to wash her. Sufyan permitted a non-Muslim (Christian or Magian) who has performed ablution (wudu) to wash a deceased man left only with women, and the women may pray the funeral prayer over him. It is narrated that 'Alqamah's wife washed a Christian woman, though this was not approved by Abu Abdullah (Ahmad ibn Hanbal).