Chapter on Instructing the Dying (Talqin al-Muhtadarin)

Ali, from his father, from Hammad, from Hariz, from Zurarah, who said: (It was said) "If the dying person experiences difficulty in the soul's departure, place him in the spot where he used to pray or on it."

Muhammad ibn Yahya, from Musa ibn Al-Hasan, from Sulayman Al-Ja’fari, who said: I saw Abu Al-Hasan عليه السلام saying to his son Al-Qasim: "Stand up, my son, and recite at the head of your brother 'By those who set the ranks (Surah As-Saffat)' until you complete it." So he recited it, and when he reached 'Are they stronger as a creation or those We created?' the young man passed away. When he was shrouded and they left, Ya’qub ibn Ja’far approached Imam عليه السلام and said: "We were accustomed to reciting 'Ya-Sin and the Wise Quran (Surah Yasin)' at the side of a dying person, but now you are instructing us to recite As-Saffat?" Imam عليه السلام عليه السلام said: "My son, As-Saffat is never recited for one in distress except that Allah سبحانه وتعالى hastens his relief."

Abu Ali Al-Ash’ari, from Muhammad ibn Salim, from Ahmad ibn Al-Nadr, from Amr ibn Shimr, from Jabir, narrated from Abu Ja’far عليه السلام: Imam عليه السلام said: The Messenger of Allah سبحانه وتعالى (peace and blessings be upon him and his family) said: "O people! Let me not find any man whose deceased passes away at night, and he waits until morning, or whose deceased passes away during the day, and he waits until night. Do not delay your dead until the rising or setting of the sun. Hasten to lay them in their resting places. May Allah سبحانه وتعالى have mercy upon you." The people said: "And may Allah سبحانه وتعالى have mercy upon you, O Messenger of Allah سبحانه وتعالى."

Muhammad ibn Yahya, from Muhammad ibn Ahmad, from Al-Abbas ibn Ma’ruf, from Al-Ya’qubi, from Musa ibn Isa, from Muhammad ibn Muyassar, from Harun ibn Al-Jahm, from Al-Sakuni: Abu Abdullah عليه السلام said: The Messenger of Allah سبحانه وتعالى (peace and blessings be upon him and his family) said: "If a person dies at the beginning of the day, let him not rest except in his grave."

Sahl ibn Ziyad, from Al-Hasan ibn Mahbub, from Ali ibn Abi Hamzah, who said: I asked Abu Al-Hasan عليه السلام about a woman who sits near the head of a sick person while she is in a state of menstruation, and the person is near death. Imam عليه السلام said: "There is no harm if she nurses (takes care of) him. However, if they fear for him and his time (of death) approaches, she should be moved away from him and from being near him, for the angels are disturbed by that (menstruating women)."

Muhammad ibn Ahmad ibn Yahya, from a man, from Al-Misma’i, from Isma’il ibn Yasar, from Yunus ibn Ya’qub, narrated from Abu Abdullah عليه السلام: Imam عليه السلام said: "A menstruating woman and a junub (one in a state of major ritual impurity) should not be present during the talqin (recitation of instructions to the deceased), but there is no harm if they assist in washing the body."

Ali ibn Al-Husayn, from Sa’d, from Ahmad, from Ibn Mahbub, from Al-‘Ala ibn Razin, from Muhammad ibn Muslim, who said: I asked Abu Ja’far عليه السلام about a woman who passes away - can her husband look at her face and head? Imam عليه السلام said: "Yes."

Al-Husayn ibn Sa’id, from Safwan ibn Yahya and Fadalah, from Al-‘Ala, from Muhammad ibn Muslim, narrated from one of the Imams عليه السلام: I asked Imam عليه السلام: “Does the person who closes the eyes of the deceased need to perform ghusl (ritual purification)?” Imam عليه السلام said: "If he touches him while he is still warm, then no; but if he touches him after he (the deceased) has cooled down, he must perform ghusl." I asked: “Does the one who washes the body need to perform ghusl?” Imam عليه السلام said: "Yes." I asked: “Can he shroud the deceased before performing ghusl?” Imam عليه السلام said: "He washes the deceased, then washes his hands up to the shoulders, then shrouds the body, and afterward, he performs ghusl." I asked: “Does the one who carries the body (after ghusl) need to perform ghusl?” Imam عليه السلام said: "No." I asked: “Does the one who places the body in the grave need to perform wudu (ablution)?” Imam عليه السلام said: "No, unless he wishes to perform wudu due to contact with the soil of the grave."

Al-Nadr ibn Suwayd, from Asim ibn Humayd, said: I asked Imam عليه السلام about touching a dead body - does it require ghusl? Imam عليه السلام said: "If you touch its body after it has cooled, then perform ghusl."

Al-Husayn ibn Sa’id, from Hammad ibn ‘Isa, from Hariz, from Isma’il ibn Jabir, said: I entered upon Abu Abdullah عليه السلام when his son Isma’il (the elder son) had died, and I saw Imam عليه السلام kissing him while he was dead. I asked: “May I be your ransom! Is it not improper to touch the deceased after death, and does one who touches him not have to perform ghusl?” Imam عليه السلام said: "If it is while he (the deceased) is still warm, then there is no harm. It is only required if he has cooled."

Ali ibn Mahziyar, from Fadalah ibn Ayyub, from Mu’awiyah ibn Ammar, said: I asked Imam عليه السلام: “Does one who washes the deceased have to perform ghusl?” Abu Abdullah عليه السلام said: "Yes." I asked: “What if he touches him while he (the deceased) is still warm?” Imam عليه السلام said: "There is no ghusl required. But if he (the deceased) has cooled, then ghusl is required." I asked about (dead) animals and birds - if one touches them, is ghusl required? Imam عليه السلام said: "No, they are not like humans."

Muhammad ibn al-Hasan al-Saffar said: I wrote to Imam عليه السلام asking about a man whose hands or body come into contact with the garment of a deceased person, which is directly in contact with the deceased's skin before the body is washed - does he have to wash his hands or body? Imam عليه السلام replied: "If your hand touches the body of the deceased before it is washed, then ghusl is obligatory upon you."

Sa'd ibn 'Abdullah narrated from Ayyub ibn Nuh, from some of our companions, from Abu 'Abdillah عليه السلام: Imam عليه السلام said: "If a piece is severed from a man's body, it is considered a dead body (maytah). If someone touches it, then any part of it that contains bone requires ghusl for the one who touches it. However, if it does not contain bone, then no ghusl is required."

Al-Husayn ibn Sa'id narrated from Muhammad ibn Abi 'Umayr, from Jamil ibn Darraj, from Muhammad ibn Muslim, from Abu Ja'far عليه السلام: Imam عليه السلام said: "Touching the deceased at the time of death, after the washing (ghusl), and kissing them - there is no harm in it."

Narrated from Fadalah, from Al-Sakuni, from Abu Abdullah عليه السلام: Imam عليه السلام said: "The Messenger of Allah سبحانه وتعالى (peace and blessings be upon him and his family) kissed 'Uthman ibn Maz'un after his death."

Narrated by Ali ibn Al-Husayn, from Muhammad ibn Ahmad ibn Ali, from Abdullah ibn Al-Salt, from Ahmad ibn Muhammad ibn Abi Nasr, from Abdullah ibn Sinan, from Abu Abdullah عليه السلام: Imam عليه السلام said: "There is no harm in touching the deceased after the washing (ghusl) and kissing him."

Narrated by Muhammad ibn Ahmad ibn Yahya, from Ahmad ibn Al-Hasan, from Amr ibn Sa’id, from Musaddiq ibn Sadaqah, from Ammar Al-Sabati, from Abu Abdullah عليه السلام: Imam عليه السلام said: "The one who washes the deceased must perform ghusl, and everyone who touches a deceased person must also perform ghusl, even if the deceased has already been washed."

Narrated by Al-Husayn ibn Sa’id, from Safwan, from Al-‘Ala ibn Razin, from Muhammad ibn Muslim, from one of the Imams عليه السلام: Imam عليه السلام was asked regarding a man who touches a dead animal, is ghusl required for him? Imam عليه السلام said: "No, that (requirement) applies only to (the dead body of) a human being."

Narrated by Ahmad ibn Muhammad, from Ibn Abi ‘Umayr, from Hammad, from Al-Halabi: I asked Abu ‘Abdillah عليه السلام, about a man who touches a dead animal. Is it necessary for him to perform ghusl because of it? Imam عليه السلام said: “No, that requirement applies only to a human being.”

Narrated by Ali ibn Al-Husayn, from Muhammad ibn Ahmad ibn Ali, from Abdullah ibn Al-Salt, from Abdullah ibn Al-Mughirah, from Ghiyath ibn Ibrahim Al-Rizzami narrated from Imam Ja’far Al Sadiq عليه السلام, from his father Imam Al Baqir عليه السلام: Imam Ali عليه السلام said: “The person most entitled to wash the deceased is the one closest to him.”

Muhammad ibn Al-Hasan Al-Saffar said: I wrote to Abu Muhammad, (Imam Hasan Al-Askari عليه السلام) asking: “What is the prescribed amount of water used for washing the deceased, as it has been narrated that the junub (one in a state of ritual impurity) washes with six ratls, and the menstruating woman washes with nine ratls? Is there a specific amount of water prescribed for washing the deceased?” Imam عليه السلام replied: “The washing of the deceased should continue until it becomes clean, if Allah سبحانه وتعالى, the Exalted, wills.”

He (Narrator) said: “I wrote to Abu Muhammad, (Imam Hasan Al-Askari عليه السلام) asking: Is it permissible for the water used to wash the deceased to flow into a well of a latrine?” Imam عليه السلام replied: “It should flow into drains.”

Ahmad bin Muhammad bin Isa, from Musa bin al-Qasim al-Bajali and Abu Qatadah, from Ali bin Ja'far, from his brother Imam Musa Al-Kadhim عليه السلام, said: I asked Imam عليه السلام about washing the deceased in an open space. Imam عليه السلام said: “There is no harm, but if he is roofed (under cover) with a curtain, it is more preferable to me.”

Al-Hasan bin Mahbub, from Ibrahim bin Mihzam, from Talhah bin Zaid, from Abu Abdullah عليه السلام: The father (Imam Al Baqir عليه السلام) of Him (Imam Al Sadiq عليه السلام) used to prefer that a cover be placed between the deceased and the sky, meaning when the deceased is being washed.

Ali bin Muhammad al-Qasani, from Mansur bin Abbas and Ahmad bin Zakariya, from Muhammad bin Ali bin Isa, said: I asked Abu al-Hasan al-Awwal (the First) عليه السلام, about a dry palm leaf if it is broken by hand - can it be placed with the deceased in his grave? Imam عليه السلام replied: "The dry one is not permissible."

Muhammad bin Ahmad bin Yahya, from Ahmad bin al-Hasan bin Ali bin Faddal, from Amr bin Saeed, from Musaddiq bin Sadaqa, from Ammar al-Sabati, from Abu Abdullah عليه السلام: Imam عليه السلام was asked about a woman who dies during childbirth - how should she be washed? Imam عليه السلام replied: "Like the washing of a purified woman. Likewise, a menstruating woman and a person in a state of major ritual impurity (janabah) are washed with only one washing."

Ibrahim bin Hashim, from Al-Husayn bin Sa'id, from Ali, from Imam Abu Ibrahim عليه السلام: I asked Imam عليه السلام about a deceased person who dies while in a state of major ritual impurity (janabah). Imam عليه السلام said: "One washing (ghusl e mayyat) is sufficient."

Ahmad bin Muhammad, from Ali bin Hadid and Abd al-Rahman, from Hammad, from Hariz, from Zurara: I said to Abu Ja'far عليه السلام: "A deceased person who died while in a state of major ritual impurity (janabah) - how is he washed, and what amount of water suffices for him?" Imam عليه السلام said: "He is washed with a single ghusl, and that suffices both for janabah and for the washing of the deceased, because two obligations have combined in one obligation."

Ali bin Mahziyar, from al-Husayn bin Sa'id, from Ali bin al-Nu'man, from Ibn Muskan, from al-Muthanna, from Abu Basir, from one of the Imams عليه السلام: Imam عليه السلام was asked regarding a person in a state of janabah who dies. Imam عليه السلام said: "He only requires a single ghusl."

Ibrahim bin Hashim, from al-Husayn bin Sa'id, from Safwan bin Yahya, from 'Iys, from Abu Abdullah عليه السلام: I asked Imam عليه السلام about a man who died while in a state of janabah. Imam عليه السلام said: "He is washed once with water, and then he is washed again after that."

Ali bin Muhammad narrated from Abu al-Qasim Sa'id bin Muhammad al-Kufi, from Muhammad bin Abi Hamzah, from 'Iys: I said to Abu Abdullah عليه السلام: "A man dies while in a state of janabah." Imam عليه السلام said: "He is washed for janabah, and then he is washed afterward with the washing of the deceased."

He (narrated) from Muhammad bin Khalid, from Abdullah bin al-Mughira, who said: Some of our companions informed me, from 'Iys, from Abu Abdullah عليه السلام, from his father عليه السلام: Imam عليه السلام said: "When the deceased dies, proceed with preparing him and hasten (the burial). And if the deceased dies while in a state of janabah, he is washed with one washing, and then he is washed afterward."

Ali bin Al-Husayn narrated from Muhammad bin Ahmad bin Ali, from Abdullah bin Al-Salt, from Abdullah bin Al-Mughira, from 'Iys bin Al-Qasim, from Abu Abdullah عليه السلام, who said: Imam عليه السلام said: "If the deceased dies while in a state of janabah, he is washed with one washing, and then he is washed again afterward."

Sahl bin Ziyad narrated from Ahmad bin Muhammad bin Abi Nasr, from Abi Jameelah, from Jabir, from Abu Ja'far عليه السلام, who said: Imam عليه السلام said: “The Prophet, may Allah’s سبحانه وتعالى blessings be upon him and his family, said: "There is nothing better among your clothing than white, so wear it and shroud your dead in it."

Abu Ali Al-Ash'ari narrated from some of our companions, from Ibn Fadhal, from Marwan, from Abdul Malik, who said: I asked Abu Al-Hasan عليه السلام, about a man who bought something from the covering of the Kaaba (kiswa). He used (sold) part of it to fulfill a need, and some of it remained in his possession. I asked: "Is it permissible to sell it?" Imam عليه السلام replied: "He may sell what he wants, gift what he does not need, benefit from it, and seek its blessings." I then asked: "Can it (kiswa) be used to shroud the dead?" Imam عليه السلام said: "No."

Muhammad bin Yahya narrated from Muhammad bin Al-Husayn, from Abdul Rahman bin Abi Hashim, from Abu Khadijah, from Abu Abdullah عليه السلام, who said: Imam عليه السلام said: "Linen was used by the Children of Israel for shrouding their dead, and cotton is for the nation of Muhammad صلى الله عليه وعلى آله وسلم, peace be upon him and his family."

Sahl ibn Ziyad narrated from Muhammad ibn Amr ibn Sa'id from Yunus ibn Ya'qub from Abu al-Hasan al-Awwal (the First) عليه السلام, who said: I heard Imam عليه السلام say: “I shrouded my father (Imam Ja’far Al Sadiq عليه السلام) in two garments from Shatawiyyah, in which he used to wear the ihram, and in a shirt from his shirts, and in a turban that belonged to (Imam) Ali ibn al-Husayn عليه السلام, and in a cloak which I purchased for forty dinars. If it were (purchased) today, it would have been worth four hundred dinars.

Ali ibn Muhammad narrated from some of his companions, from al-Washsha', from al-Husayn ibn al-Mukhtar, from Abu Abdillah عليه السلام, who said: Imam عليه السلام said: “The deceased should not be shrouded in black.”

Ahmad ibn Muhammad narrated from al-Hasan ibn Ali al-Washsha', from Ahmad ibn 'A'id, from al-Husayn ibn Mukhtar, who said: I asked Abu Abdillah عليه السلام: “Can a man enter the state of ihram in a black garment?” Imam عليه السلام said: “He should not enter ihram in a black garment, nor should he be shrouded in it.”

Muhammad ibn Ahmad narrated from Muhammad ibn 'Isa, from al-Hasan ibn Rashid, who said: I asked Imam عليه السلام about garments made in Basra, woven in the style of Yemeni striped fabric, made of silk and cotton. Is it permissible to shroud the dead in them? Imam عليه السلام said: “If the cotton is more than the silk, then there is no problem.”

Sahl ibn Ziyad narrated from Ahmad ibn Muhammad ibn Abi Nasr, from Fudayl Sukkarah, who said: I said to Abu Abdullah عليه السلام: "May I be your ransom, is there a specific amount of water required for washing (of the deceased)?" Imam عليه السلام said: "Indeed, the Messenger of Allah سبحانه وتعالى, said to (Imam) Ali عليه السلام: 'When I die, bring six water skins filled with water from the well of Ghars, and wash me and shroud me. After you have completed my washing and shrouding, then take hold of the edges of my shroud, sit me up, and ask me whatever you wish. By Allah سبحانه وتعالى, you will not ask me about anything except that I will answer you regarding it.'"

Ali narrated from his father, from Ibn Abi Umayr, from Hafs ibn Al-Bakhtari, from Abu Abdullah عليه السلام, who said: Imam عليه السلام said: “The Messenger of Allah سبحانه وتعالى, peace be upon him and his family, said to (Imam) Ali عليه السلام: "O Ali عليه السلام, when I die, wash me with seven water skins filled with water from the well of Ghars."

Al-Husayn ibn Sa'id narrated from Uthman ibn Isa, from Sama'ah, from Abu Abdullah عليه السلام, who said: Imam عليه السلام said: "When you shroud the deceased, sprinkle some powdered perfume and camphor on each piece of the shroud. Place some of the hanoot (a mixture of perfumes) on his ears, his places of prostration, and some on the back of the shroud."

Narrated from Fadalah, from Abdullah ibn Sinan, from Abu Abdullah عليه السلام, who said: Imam عليه السلام said: "The cloak is not to be wrapped around (the deceased), but rather it should be placed over him as a covering. And when he is placed in the grave, it should be positioned under his cheek and under his side."

Ahmad ibn Muhammad narrated from Ali ibn al-Hakam, from Abu Malik al-Juhani, from al-Husayn ibn Umara, from Abu Ja'far عليه السلام. He (Narrator) said: “I asked Imam عليه السلام about a man who purchased something from the coverings of the Ka'bah - can he shroud a deceased person with it?” Imam عليه السلام replied: "No."

Narrated from Ali ibn al-Hakam, from Abdul Malik ibn Utbah al-Hashimi. He (Narrator) said: “I asked Abu al-Hasan Musa عليه السلام, about a man who purchased something from the coverings of the Ka'bah - can he shroud a deceased person with it?” Imam عليه السلام replied: "No."

Narrated from Ali ibn Muhammad, from Muhammad ibn Khalid, from Ibn Abi Umair, from Hammad, from Zurara, from Abu Ja'far and Abu Abdillah عليه السلام. The Imams عليه السلام said: "When you have dried the deceased, take the camphor and wipe it on the marks of prostration and all the joints. Place some of the hanoot in his mouth, ears, head, and beard, and also on his chest and private area." They عليه السلام also said: "The hanoot for a man and a woman is the same."

Muhammad ibn al-Husayn narrated from Ja‘far ibn Bashir, from Dawood ibn Sirhan, who said: Abu Abdillah عليه السلام said regarding the shroud of Abu Ubaydah al-Hadhdha’: "Indeed, the hanoot is camphor. However, go and do as the people customarily do."

Ali ibn Muhammad narrated from Ahmad ibn Muhammad, from al-Kahili, from Abu Abdillah عليه السلام, who said: Imam عليه السلام said: "If blood or any other substance comes out of the nose of the deceased after being washed and it touches the turban or the shroud, it should be cut off from it."

Muhammad ibn al-Husayn narrated from Muhammad ibn Isa, from Muhammad ibn Sa'id, from Isma'il ibn Abi Ziyad, from Imam Ja’far Al Sadiq عليه السلام, from his forefathers عليه السلام: Imam Ali عليه السلام said that the Messenger of Allah سبحانه وتعالى, peace be upon him and his family, said: "The best shroud is the garment, and the best sacrifice is the horned ram."

Al-Hasan ibn Mahbub narrated from Ibn Sinan, from Abu Abdillah عليه السلام, who said: Imam عليه السلام said: "The cost of the shroud is to be taken from the entirety of the wealth."

Ali narrated from his father, from Al-Nawfali, from Al-Sakooni, from Abu Abdillah عليه السلام: Imam عليه السلام said: "The Prophet, may Allah’s سبحانه وتعالى blessings be upon him and his family, prohibited placing hanoot (perfumed substances) on the bier."

Al-Husayn ibn Sa’id narrated from Ibn Abi Umayr, from Hammad ibn Uthman, from Zurara: Abu Abdillah عليه السلام was asked regarding a man who dies and only women are present. Imam عليه السلام said: "His wife may wash his body because she is in his waiting period (iddah) with him. However, if she dies, he may not wash her body because he is not in her waiting period."

Ali ibn Ibrahim narrated from his father, from Ibn Abi Umayr, from Hammad, from Al-Halabi: Abu Abdillah عليه السلام was asked about a man who dies and there is no one to wash his body except women. Imam عليه السلام said: "His wife or a close female relative, if he has one, may wash his body, and the women should pour water over him." (Imam عليه السلام was asked) regarding a woman who dies (if she dies and there is no other woman present to wash her). Imam عليه السلام said: "Her husband may insert his hand under her shirt and wash her body."

Muhammad ibn Yahya narrated from Muhammad ibn al-Husayn, from Safwan, from Al-Ala, from Muhammad ibn Muslim, who said: I asked Imam عليه السلام about a man washing his wife’s body (if she dies and there is no other woman present to wash her). Imam عليه السلام said: "Yes, from behind the clothes."

Ahmad ibn Muhammad narrated from Ali ibn al-Hakam, from al-Husayn ibn Uthman, from Sama'ah, who said: I asked Imam عليه السلام about a woman if she died (if she dies and there is no other woman present to wash her). Imam عليه السلام said: "Her husband may insert his hand under her shirt up to the elbows and wash her."

Sahl ibn Ziyad narrated from Ibn Mahbub, from Ibn Ri'ab, from al-Halabi: Abu Abdillah عليه السلام was asked regarding a woman who dies and there is no other woman present to wash her. Imam عليه السلام said: "Her husband may insert his hand under her shirt and wash her up to the elbows."

Al-Husayn ibn Sa'id narrated from Ali ibn al-Nu'man, from Abu al-Sabbah al-Kinani, from Abu Abdillah عليه السلام. Imam عليه السلام said regarding a man who dies during a journey in a land where there are only women present: "He is to be buried without being washed. Similarly, if a woman is among men in that situation, she is to be buried without being washed - unless her husband is present with her. If her husband is present, he may wash her from above her garment by pouring water over her without looking at her private parts. Likewise, a woman may wash her husband if he dies. However, a woman is not in the same position as men. The appearance of a woman is more difficult to handle when she dies."

Sahl ibn Ziyad narrated from Ibn Abi Nasr, from Dawud ibn Sirhan, from Abu Abdillah عليه السلام, a narration similar to the previous one (H.1414).

Humayd ibn Ziyad narrated from al-Hasan ibn Muhammad al-Kindi, from more than one source, from Aban ibn Uthman, from Abd al-Rahman ibn Abi Abdillah, who said: I asked Abu Abdillah عليه السلام, about a man who dies and has no one to wash him except women. Should the women wash him? Imam عليه السلام said: "His wife or a woman who is a close relative (mahram) should wash him, and the women should pour water over him from above the garments."

Al-Husayn ibn Sa'id narrated from Fadalah ibn Ayyub, from Abdullah ibn Sinan, who said: I asked Abu Abdullah عليه السلام, whether a man is permitted to look at his wife when she dies and to wash her if there is no one else available to wash her. I also asked whether a woman is allowed to look at her husband in a similar situation when he dies. Imam عليه السلام said: "There is no problem with that. However, it is usually the woman's family who prevent her husband from looking at something they find unpleasant."

Abu Ali al-Ash'ari narrated from Muhammad ibn Abd al-Jabbar, from Safwan, from Mansur, who said: I asked Abu Abdullah عليه السلام, about a man who sets out on a journey with his wife, and she dies. Can he wash her? Imam عليه السلام said: "Yes, and also (he can wash) his mother, his sister, and those similar (in relation) to them. He should place a cloth over the private parts."

Ali narrated from his father, from Hammad ibn Isa, from Hariz, from Muhammad ibn Muslim, who said: I asked Imam عليه السلام about a man washing his wife. Imam عليه السلام said: "Yes (it is allowed), (it is) only her family prevents it out of prejudice."

Ahmad ibn Muhammad, from Al-Husayn ibn Sa'id, from Al-Qasim ibn Muhammad Al-Jawhari, from Ali, from Abu Basir, said: Abu Abdullah عليه السلام said: "A husband may wash his wife (who dies) during travel, and a wife may wash her husband (who dies) during travel, if there is no other with them."

Ahmad ibn Muhammad narrated from Muhammad ibn Sinan, from Abu Khalid, from Abu Hamzah: Abu Ja'far عليه السلام said: "A man should not wash a woman unless no other woman is available."

Ahmad ibn Muhammad from Ibn Abi Nasr, from Abdur-Rahman ibn Salim, from Mufaddal ibn Umar: I said to Abu Abdullah عليه السلام: "May I be your ransom, who washed (Sayyida) Fatimah صلى الله عليه وعلى آله وسلم ?" Imam عليه السلام said: "It was Commander of the Faithful عليه السلام (who washed her)." I (the Narrator) reacted as if I found this statement surprising, so Imam عليه السلام said: "It seems you are uncomfortable with what I have told you." I asked: "Was that really the case? May I be your ransom?" Imam عليه السلام said: "Do not feel uneasy, for She صلى الله عليه وعلى آله وسلم was a Siddiqah (truthful one), and only a Siddiq (truthful one) could have washed her. Do you not know that Maryam صلى الله عليه وعلى آله وسلم, peace be upon her, was only washed by Isa عليه السلام?" I asked: "May I be your ransom, what do you say about a woman who is in a journey with men, none of whom is her Mahram, and there is no woman with them, and she dies - what should be done with her?" Imam عليه السلام said: "The parts of her body that Allah سبحانه وتعالى has required to be purified through Tayammum should be washed. She should not be touched, nor should any part of her body that Allah سبحانه وتعالى commanded to be covered be uncovered." I asked: "How should this be done?" Imam عليه السلام said: "The palms of her hands and her face should be washed."

Ali ibn al-Husayn narrated from Muhammad ibn Ahmad ibn Ali, from Abdullah ibn al-Salt, from Ibn Abi Umayr, from Hammad, from al-Halabi, from Abu Abdullah عليه السلام: Imam عليه السلام was asked about a man washing his wife. Imam عليه السلام said: "Yes, he may wash her from behind the garment, without looking at her hair or any part of her body. A woman may also wash her husband because, if he dies, she remains in his waiting period (iddah). However, if she dies, her waiting period is already completed." Imam عليه السلام was also asked about a woman who dies while traveling, and there is no Mahram (male guardian) or other women with her. Imam عليه السلام said: "She should be buried as she is, in her clothes." Imam عليه السلام was further asked about a man who dies while traveling, and there is no Mahram or other men with him. Imam عليه السلام said: "He should be buried as he is, in his clothes."

Narrated from him (the narrator) from Sa‘d ibn Abdullah, from Ahmad ibn Muhammad, from al-Hasan ibn Mahbub, from Ali ibn Ri’ab, from Muhammad ibn Marwan, from Ibn Abi Ya‘fur, who said: I asked Abu Abdullah عليه السلام about a man who dies while traveling with women and there is no man with them. How should they handle his burial? Imam عليه السلام said: "They should wrap him completely in his clothes, bury him, and not wash him."

Al-Husayn ibn Sa‘id narrated from Fadalah, from Abd al-Rahman ibn Abi Abdillah al-Basri, who said: I asked Imam عليه السلام about a woman who dies among men (non mahram). Imam عليه السلام said: "She should be wrapped and buried, and she should not be washed."

Sa‘d ibn Abdillah narrated from Abu al-Jawza’, al-Munabbih ibn Abdillah, from al-Husayn ibn ‘Alwan, from ‘Amr ibn Khalid, from Zayd ibn ‘Ali, from his forefathers, from (Imam) ‘Ali عليه السلام, who said: Imam عليه السلام said: "If a man dies during a journey among women, and there is no wife or any woman from his mahrams among them, they should cover him up to the knees, pour water over him without looking at his private parts, and without touching him with their hands. They should purify him in this way. However, if he is accompanied by women who are his mahrams, they should cover him, pour water over him, and touch his body except for his private parts, which they should not touch."

Ali ibn al-Husayn narrated from Ahmad ibn Idris, from Muhammad ibn Salim, from Ahmad ibn al-Nadr, from ‘Amr ibn Shimr, from Jabir: Abu Ja‘far عليه السلام was asked regarding a man who died while accompanied only by women and there was no man with them. Imam عليه السلام said: "They should pour water over him from behind a cloth, wrap him in his shroud under the cover, pray over him in a row, and then lower him into his grave." And (Imam عليه السلام was asked) regarding a woman who dies among men with no woman present. Imam عليه السلام said: "They should pour water over her from behind a cloth, wrap her in her shroud, pray over her, and then bury her."

Al-Husayn ibn Sa‘id narrated from Ali ibn al-Nu‘man, from Dawud ibn Farqad, who said: A companion of ours went to ask Abu ‘Abdillah عليه السلام, about a woman who dies among men, none of whom are her mahram (close male relatives). He asked whether they are permitted to wash her while she is in her clothes. Abu ‘Abdillah عليه السلام, replied: "If they were to do that, it would be exposing her (to improper handling). Instead, they should wash only her hands."

Ahmad ibn Muhammad ibn ‘Isa narrated from Ahmad ibn Muhammad ibn Abi Nasr, from ‘Abd al-Rahman ibn Salim, from al-Mufaddal ibn ‘Umar, who said: I asked Abu ‘Abdillah عليه السلام: "May I be your ransom! What is your ruling regarding a woman who is traveling with men, among whom there is no mahram (close male relative) for her, nor is there any other woman with them, and she dies? What should be done with her?" Imam عليه السلام replied: "Only those parts of her body that are required for tayammum (dry ablution) should be washed. Nothing of her beauty, which Allah سبحانه وتعالى has commanded to be concealed, should be touched or uncovered." I then asked: "How should it be done?" Imam عليه السلام replied: "Her palms should be washed - first the inside, then the face, and finally the back of her hands."

Sa'd ibn 'Abdullah narrated from Muhammad ibn al-Husayn ibn Abi al-Khattab, from Muhammad ibn Aslam al-Jabali, from 'Abd al-Rahman ibn Salim and 'Ali ibn Abi Hamzah, from Abu Basir, who said: I asked Abu 'Abdillah عليه السلام, about a woman who died during a journey, and there were no other women or any mahram (close male relative) with her. Imam عليه السلام replied: "The parts of her body required for wudu (ablution) should be washed, then she should be prayed upon and buried."

Ali ibn al-Husayn narrated from Muhammad ibn Ali, from 'Abdullah ibn al-Salt, from Ali ibn al-Hakam, from Saif ibn 'Amirah, from 'Amr ibn Shimr, from Jabir, who narrated from Abu 'Abdillah عليه السلام: Imam عليه السلام was asked about a woman who dies and does not have any mahram (close male relative) with her. Imam عليه السلام said: "Her hands should be washed."

Sa'd ibn 'Abdullah narrated from Ahmad ibn Muhammad, from al-Hasan ibn 'Ali, from Abu Jamilah, from Zayd al-Shahham: I asked Imam عليه السلام about a woman who died in a place where there was no other woman except her. Imam عليه السلام said: "If there is no husband or mahram (close male relative) present with her, they should bury her in her clothes without washing her. But if her husband or a mahram is present, he should wash her without looking at her private parts." Zayd said: “I also asked Imam عليه السلام about a man who died during travel, and he was among women, with no man present among them. Imam عليه السلام said: "If he has no wife among them, they should bury him in his clothes without washing him. But if he has a wife among them, she should wash him while he is clothed, without looking at his private parts."

Sa'd ibn 'Abdullah narrated from Abu al-Jawza', from al-Husayn ibn 'Alwan, from 'Amr ibn Khalid, from Zayd ibn 'Ali, from his fathers, from 'Ali عليه السلام: Imam Ali عليه السلام said: “A group of people came to the Messenger of Allah سبحانه وتعالى, peace be upon him and his family, and said: "A woman passed away among us, and there was no mahram (close male relative) with her." The Prophet صلى الله عليه وعلى آله وسلم asked: "What did you do?" They replied: "We poured water over her body by pouring it." The Prophet صلى الله عليه وعلى آله وسلم said: "Could you not find a woman from the People of the Book to wash her?" They said: "No." The Prophet صلى الله عليه وعلى آله وسلم then said: "Could you not have performed tayammum (dry ablution) for her?"

Ali ibn al-Husayn narrated from Muhammad ibn Ahmad ibn 'Ali, from 'Abdullah ibn al-Salt, from Ibn Bint Ilyas, from 'Abdullah ibn Sinan, who said: I heard Abu 'Abdullah عليه السلام, say: "If a woman dies among men and they do not find a woman to wash her, then one of the men should wash her from behind a cloth, and it is recommended that he wraps a cloth around his hands."

Sa'd narrated from Ahmad ibn Muhammad, from 'Uthman ibn 'Isa, from Sama'ah, who said: I asked Abu 'Abdillah عليه السلام, about a man who dies and there are only women present. Imam عليه السلام said: "A woman who is a mahram (close relative) to him should wash him, and the other women should pour water over her, and she should not remove his clothes. And if it is a woman who dies among men and there is no woman or mahram for her, she should be buried as she is, in her clothes. However, if there is a mahram present for her, he should wash her from above her clothes."

Narrated from him, from Abu Ja'far, from Al-Hasan ibn 'Ali Al-Washsha', from 'Abdullah ibn Sinan, who said: I heard Abu 'Abdillah عليه السلام, say: "If a man dies among women, his wife should wash him. If his wife is not present, then the woman who is most closely related to him should wash him, and she should wrap a cloth around her hands."

Narrated by Muhammad ibn Ahmad, from Al-Hasan ibn Musa Al-Khashshab, from Ghiyath ibn Kallub, from Ishaq ibn Ammar, from Imam Ja’far Al Sadiq عليه السلام, from his father Imam Al Baqir عليه السلام: (Imam) Ali ibn Al-Husayn عليه السلام instructed that one of his bondwomen should wash his body after His عليه السلام death, and so she washed Him عليه السلام.

Narrated by Ahmad ibn Al-Hasan, from Amr ibn Sa'id, from Musaddiq ibn Sadaqah, from Ammar Al-Sabati, from Abu Abdullah عليه السلام: Imam عليه السلام was asked about a boy - can a woman wash him? Imam عليه السلام replied: "Indeed, it is the women who wash young boys." And (Imam عليه السلام was asked) regarding a young girl who dies, and no woman is available to wash her. Imam عليه السلام said: "A man, who is the closest relative to her, should wash her."

Narrated by Ahmad ibn Muhammad, from Muhammad ibn Isa, from Abdullah ibn Al-Mughira, from Ismail ibn Abi Ziyad Al-Sakuni, from Imam Ja’far Al Sadiq عليه السلام, from his father Imam Al Baqir عليه السلام: Commander of the Faithful عليه السلام said: "It is the responsibility of the husband to provide the shroud for his wife if she dies."

Narrated from Al-Hasan ibn Mahbub, from Al-Fadl ibn Yunus Al-Katib, who said: I asked Imam عليه السلام: "What is your opinion about a man from our companions who dies and does not leave enough for his shroud? Should I buy his shroud using zakat?" Abu Al-Hasan Musa عليه السلام replied: "Give his family from the zakat an amount sufficient for them to prepare him, so that they are the ones who handle his preparation." I said: "What if he has no children or anyone to take care of his matters, and I handle his preparation using zakat?" Imam عليه السلام said: "My father (Imam Ja’far Al Sadiq عليه السلام) used to say, 'The sanctity of a believer’s body after death is like its sanctity during life.' Therefore, cover his body and his private parts, prepare him, shroud him, and anoint him, and count that as part of the zakat. Then accompany his funeral." I asked: "If some of his brothers purchase another shroud for him, and he has debts, should he be shrouded with one and his debts be paid with the other?" Imam عليه السلام said: "No. This is not an inheritance he left; rather, it is something that came to him after his death. So let them shroud him with the one that was purchased, and the other can remain with them to manage their affairs."

Al-Husayn ibn Sa'id narrated from Muhammad ibn Abi Umayr, from Ibrahim al-Khazzaz, from Uthman al-Nawwa, who said: I said to Abu Abdillah عليه السلام: "I wash the dead." Imam عليه السلام asked: "Do you do it well?" I replied: "I wash the dead." Imam عليه السلام said: "When you wash the deceased, be gentle with them. Do not squeeze them, and do not bring any camphor near his ears."

Ahmad ibn Muhammad ibn Isa narrated from Ali ibn al-Hakam, from Aban, and al-Husayn ibn Sa'id, from Faddalah, from Husayn, from Ibn Muskan, all from Abu al-Abbas, who narrated from Abu Abdillah عليه السلام: I asked Imam عليه السلام about the washing of the deceased. Imam عليه السلام said: "Sit him up and press his stomach gently, then cleanse him from what comes out due to pressing the stomach. Then lay him down, and wash him starting with his right side. Wash him with water and lotus leaves, then with water and camphor, and finally wash him with pure water. Then place him in his shroud."

Al-Nadr ibn Suwayd narrated from Hisham ibn Salim, from Sulayman ibn Khalid, who said: I asked Imam عليه السلام about the washing of the deceased - how should he be washed? Abu Abdillah عليه السلام said: "With water and lotus leaves (sidr). Wash his entire body, then wash him again with water and camphor, and then wash him again with water." I said: “Three times?” Imam عليه السلام said: "Yes (three times)." I asked: “What should be on him while he is being washed?” Imam عليه السلام said: "If you can ensure that he has a shirt (qamis) on, then wash him from under the shirt."

Al-Husayn ibn Sa’id narrated from Ya’qub ibn Yaqtin, who said: I asked the righteous servant (of Allah سبحانه وتعالى), Imam Musa Al-KadHim عليه السلام about the washing of the deceased - does it include the ablution (wudu) of prayer or not? Imam عليه السلام said: "The washing of the deceased begins with his elbows (marafiq), and he is washed with lotus leaves (sidr). Then his face and head are washed with sidr, and water is poured over him three times. He should not be washed except in a shirt (qamis). A man inserts his hand and pours water over him from above. Something of lotus leaves (sidr) and something of camphor (kafur) should be added to the water. His abdomen should not be pressed unless something close (to release) is feared. In that case, it should be wiped gently without pressing. Then the one who washed him should wash his hands up to the shoulders three times before shrouding him. Then, after shrouding him, he should perform ghusl (ritual purification)."

Al-Hasan ibn Mahbub narrated from Abu Ayyub, from Humran ibn A’yan, who said: Abu Abdullah عليه السلام said: "When you wash one of your deceased, be gentle with him. Do not squeeze him, do not press any of his joints, and do not bring any camphor near his ears. Then take his turban, unfold it, and spread it doubled over his head. Let its two ends hang behind him, and leave his forehead exposed." I asked: "What should I do with the hanut (fragrance)?" Imam عليه السلام replied: "It should be placed in his nostrils, on the place of his prostration, and on his joints." I asked: "What about the shroud?" He said: "A piece of cloth should be taken to tie his lower part, fastening his thighs with it to keep what is there covered. Using cotton for this purpose is better. Then he should be shrouded in a shirt, a wrap, and a cloak (burd), which together form the shroud."

Muhammad ibn Isa ibn Ubayd narrated from Hammad ibn Isa, from Hariz, from Muhammad ibn Muslim, who said: Abu Abdullah عليه السلام said: "Whoever washes a deceased person and shrouds him must perform the ritual bath (ghusl) of janabah."

Ali ibn al-Husayn narrated from Abdullah ibn Ja'far, from Ibrahim ibn Mahziyar, from Fadalah ibn Ayyub, from Al-Qasim ibn Buraid, from Muhammad ibn Muslim, who said: Abu Ja'far عليه السلام said: "The washing (ghusl) of the deceased is like the washing (ghusl) of one in a state of janabah. If the deceased has a lot of hair, then add water to it three times."

Ali ibn al-Husayn narrated from Sa'd ibn Abdullah, from Muhammad ibn al-Husayn ibn Abi al-Khattab and Ahmad ibn al-Hasan ibn Ali ibn Faddal, from his father, from Ali ibn Uqbah and Dhubyan ibn Hakim, from Musa ibn Uqayl al-Numayri, from Al-Ala ibn Sayabah, who said: Abu Abdullah عليه السلام said: "There is no harm in placing the deceased between your legs and standing over him to wash him. When you turn him to the right and to the left, you may secure him with your legs to prevent him from falling face down."

Ali ibn al-Husayn narrated from Sa'd ibn Abdullah, from Muhammad ibn al-Husayn ibn Abi al-Khattab and Ahmad ibn al-Hasan ibn Ali ibn Faddal, from his father, from Ali ibn Uqbah and Dhubyan ibn Hakim, from Musa ibn Uqayl al-Numayri, from Al-Ala ibn Sayabah, who said: Abu Abdullah عليه السلام was asked in my presence about a man who was killed and his head was severed due to disobedience to Allah سبحانه وتعالى. Should he be washed, or should he (the body) be treated like that of a martyr? Imam عليه السلام said: "If he was killed in disobedience to Allah سبحانه وتعالى, he should be washed. First, the blood should be cleaned off, then water should be poured over him without rubbing his body. Begin with the hands and the back. His wounds should be bandaged with cotton and threads. Once the cotton is placed, it should be tied, and similarly, the place where the head was severed, meaning the neck, should have a lot of cotton placed on it. Hanoot (fragrant substance) should be sprinkled on it, then cotton should be placed over the neck. If you can tie it, then do so." I asked: "What if the head is completely separated from the body and is present with it? How should it be washed?" Imam عليه السلام said: "The head should be washed after washing the hands and lower body. Start with the head, then move to the body. Afterward, place cotton over the neck and attach the head to the body. It should then be placed in the shroud. Similarly, when you take him to the grave, you should carry the head along with the body, place them in the grave, and direct him toward the Qibla."

Muhammad bin Ahmad bin Yahya from Ibrahim bin Hashim, from Nuh bin Shu'ayb, from Shihab bin Abd Rabbih, who said: I asked Abu Abdillah عليه السلام: "Can a person in a state of janabah (major ritual impurity) wash a deceased body? Or if someone has washed a dead body, can he approach his wife before performing ghusl?" Imam عليه السلام said: "Both cases are the same; there is no harm in it. If a person is in a state of janabah, he should wash his hands, perform wudu', and then wash the deceased while still in janabah. And if he has washed a deceased person and then wants to approach his wife, he should perform wudu', then approach his wife. A single ghusl suffices for both acts."

Ali narrated from Sa'd ibn Abdullah, from Ayyub ibn Nuh, who said: Ahmad ibn al-Qasim wrote to Abu al-Hasan al-Thalith (the Third), peace be upon him, asking: “If a believer dies and the person who is to wash him finds himself in the presence of a group from the Murji'ah (a sect), should he wash him in the manner of the general public - without covering his head with a turban and without placing palm branches (jareedah) with him?” Imam عليه السلام replied in writing: "He should wash him according to the method prescribed for a believer, even if they are present. As for the palm branches, let him conceal them so that they do not see them, and let him strive in doing so with his utmost effort."

Al-Husayn ibn Sa'id narrated from Muhammad ibn Sinan, from someone who informed him, from Abu Abdillah عليه السلام, who said: Imam عليه السلام said: "Whoever keeps his shroud with him in his house will not be counted among the heedless, and he will be rewarded each time he looks at it."

Ali ibn al-Hakam narrated from Yunus ibn Ya'qub, who said that Abu Abdillah عليه السلام, said: Imam عليه السلام said: "My father (Imam Al Baqir عليه السلام) advised me at the time of his death: 'O Ja'far, shroud me in such-and-such garment and such-and-such garment, and buy for me a single cloak and a turban, and ensure that they are of good quality, for indeed the dead take pride in their shrouds.'"

Muhammad ibn Ahmad ibn Yahya narrated from Muhammad ibn Isa, from Ibn Sinan, who reported that Abu Abdillah عليه السلام, said: Imam عليه السلام said: "Be meticulous in choosing shrouds, for indeed you will be resurrected in them."

Al-Husayn ibn Sa'id narrated from Muhammad ibn Sinan, from Abdullah ibn Yahya al-Kahili and al-Husayn ibn al-Mukhtar, who reported: They asked Abu Abdillah عليه السلام about a deceased person from whom something comes out after the completion of the washing. Imam عليه السلام said: "That area should be washed, but the entire washing does not need to be repeated."

Sa'd ibn Abdullah narrated from al-Hasan ibn Ali ibn Faddal, from Ghalib ibn Uthman, from Rawh ibn Abd al-Rahim, who reported that Abu Abdillah عليه السلام, said: Imam عليه السلام said: "If something appears from the deceased after the washing, then wash only that which has appeared and do not repeat the entire washing."

Ahmad ibn Muhammad ibn Isa narrated from Ahmad ibn Muhammad ibn Abi Nasr, from Abdullah ibn Yahya al-Kahili, who reported that Abu Abdillah عليه السلام, said: Imam عليه السلام said: "If blood or any discharge comes out of the nose of the deceased after the washing and it soils the turban or the shroud, it should be cut off with scissors."

Ali ibn al-Husayn narrated from Muhammad ibn Ahmad ibn Ali, from Abu Talib Abdullah ibn al-Salt, from Ibn Abi Umayr and Ahmad ibn Muhammad, from more than one of our companions, who reported: Abu Abdillah عليه السلام said: "If anything comes out of the deceased after being shrouded and it soils the shroud, the affected part of the shroud should be cut off."

Ali ibn Ibrahim narrated from his father, from al-Nawfali, from al-Sakuni, who reported: Abu Abdillah عليه السلام was asked: "What is the reason that a deceased person discharges semen?" Imam عليه السلام replied: "It is the sperm from which he was created that is expelled."

Narrated from him, from his father, from Saif ibn Amira, from Sa'd ibn Tarif, from Abu Ja'far عليه السلام, who said: Imam عليه السلام said: "Whoever washes a deceased person and fulfills the trust in doing so, his sins will be forgiven." I asked: "How does he fulfill the trust?" He replied: "He does not disclose what he sees."

And through this chain of narrators, from Sa'd ibn Tarif, from Abu Ja'far عليه السلام, who said: Imam عليه السلام said: "Whoever shrouds a believer, it is as if he has guaranteed his clothing until the Day of Resurrection."

And through this chain of narrators, from Sa'd ibn Tarif, from Abu Ja'far عليه السلام, who said: Imam عليه السلام said: "Whoever digs a grave for a deceased person, it is as if he has prepared a suitable house for him until the Day of Resurrection."

Ahmad ibn Muhammad, from Ali ibn al-Hakam, from a man, from Abu Basir, who said: I asked Abu Abdullah عليه السلام, about the knots of the shroud of the deceased. Imam عليه السلام said: "When you place him in the grave, untie them."

Muhammad ibn Ahmad ibn Yahya, from al-Hasan ibn al-Husayn al-Lu’lu’i, from Abu Dawud al-Munshid, from Salamah, from Mughira, the muezzin of Banu Adi, from Abu Abdullah عليه السلام, who said: Imam عليه السلام said: "Imam Ali ibn Abi Talib عليه السلام, washed the Messenger of Allah سبحانه وتعالى, peace be upon him and his family. He عليه السلام began with sidr (lote-tree leaves). The second washing was with three mithqals of camphor and one mithqal of musk. For the third washing, He عليه السلام called for a water skin with its head tied, and poured it over him. Then He (Imam Ali عليه السلام) shrouded Him (The Prophet صلى الله عليه وعلى آله وسلم), peace be upon him."

From him, from Ya‘qub ibn Yazid, from a group of our companions, from Abu Abdullah عليه السلام, who said: Imam عليه السلام said: “The deceased should not be shrouded in linen.”

Ali ibn Ibrahim, from his father, from Al-Nawfali, from Al-Sakuni, from Abu Abdullah عليه السلام: Imam عليه السلام said: “The Prophet صلى الله عليه وعلى آله وسلم forbade that the grave be dug deeper than three cubits.”

From him, from his father, from Ibn Abi Umayr, from Hammad ibn Uthman, from Al-Halabi, from Abu Abdullah عليه السلام: Imam عليه السلام said: “The Messenger of Allah سبحانه وتعالى, peace be upon him and his family, was placed in a grave with a niche (lahd) prepared for him by Abu Talhah Al-Ansari.”

Sahl ibn Ziyad, from some of his companions, from Abu Hammam Isma'il ibn Hammam, from Abu Al-Hasan Al-Ridha عليه السلام, who said: Abu Ja'far عليه السلام, when He عليه السلام was near death, said: “If I die, dig and make for me a trench-like grave. And if it is said to you that the Messenger of Allah سبحانه وتعالى, peace be upon him and his family, was buried in a niche (lahd), then they have spoken the truth.”

Sa'd ibn 'Abdullah, from Ya'qub ibn Yazid, from Ibn Abi 'Umayr, from some of his companions, from Abu 'Abdillah عليه السلام, who said: Imam عليه السلام said: "The depth of the grave is up to the collarbone. Some said it is up to the chest, and others said it is the height of a man until a cloth can be stretched over the head of the one in the grave. As for the lahd (side chamber within the grave), it should be "to the extent that sitting is possible within it." Imam عليه السلام continued: "When death approached (Imam) 'Ali ibn Al-Husayn, peace be upon them, Imam عليه السلام fainted and remained unconscious for a while. Then, Imam عليه السلام uncovered the cloth from his face and said: 'All praise is due to Allah, who has granted us Paradise, allowing us to settle wherever we wish. How excellent is the reward of those who strive!' (Surah Az-Zumar 39:74)" Then Imam عليه السلام said: "Dig for me (my grave) until you reach the moisture of the ground (groundwater)." Imam عليه السلام then stretched the cloth back over himself, and Imam عليه السلام passed away, peace be upon him.

Al-Hasan ibn Mahbub, from Abi Walad and 'Abdullah ibn Sinan, both from Abu 'Abdillah عليه السلام, who said: Imam عليه السلام said: "It is proper for the relatives of the deceased among you to inform the brothers (companions) of the deceased about his death, so they may attend his funeral, perform the prayer over him, and seek forgiveness for him. Through this, reward will be earned for them, forgiveness will be written for the deceased, and he too will receive reward from what has been earned for him through their supplications for forgiveness."

Humayd ibn Ziyad, from Ibn Sama'ah, from 'Abdullah ibn Jabalah, from Muhammad ibn Mas'ud al-Ta'i, from 'Anbasah ibn Mus'ab, from Abu 'Abdillah عليه السلام, who said: Imam عليه السلام said: “The Messenger of Allah سبحانه وتعالى, peace and blessings be upon him and his family, said: "Whoever faces a funeral procession or sees it and says: ‘Allahu Akbar (Allah سبحانه وتعالى is the Greatest), 'This is what Allah سبحانه وتعالى and His Messenger صلى الله عليه وعلى آله وسلم have promised us, and Allah سبحانه وتعالى and His Messenger صلى الله عليه وعلى آله وسلم have spoken the truth. O Allah سبحانه وتعالى, increase us in faith and submission. Praise be to Allah سبحانه وتعالى, Who is exalted in power and has subdued His servants with death,' Then, there will not remain an angel in the heavens, close to Allah سبحانه وتعالى, except that they will cry out of mercy at the sound of his voice."

Ali ibn Ibrahim, from his father, from 'Abdullah ibn al-Mughirah, from Aban - I do not know except that he mentioned it from Abu Hamzah - said: When (Imam) Ali ibn al-Husayn عليه السلام saw a funeral approaching, Imam عليه السلام would say: "All praise is due to Allah سبحانه وتعالى, who did not make me from the doomed masses."

Ali ibn Ibrahim, from his father, from some of his companions, from al-Mufaddal ibn Yunus, said: I asked Abu IbraHim عليه السلام about circling the funeral (tashiʿ). Imam عليه السلام said: "If you are in a place of taqiyyah (dissimulation), then start with the right hand, then the right leg. Then return to your position to the right side of the deceased -do not pass behind his feet at all - until you face the funeral and take his left hand, then his left leg. Then return to your place - do not pass behind the funeral at all - until you face it and do as you did at first. And if there is no need for taqiyyah in this matter, then the circling of the funeral, which has been established by the Sunnah, is that you start with the right hand, then the right leg, then the left leg, then the left hand, until you complete circling around it."

Ali, from his father, from Ibn Faddal, from Ali ibn Uqbah, from Musa ibn Ukayl, from Al-Ala ibn Sayabah, from Abu Abdullah عليه السلام, said: Imam عليه السلام said: "You start carrying the bier (funeral bed) from the right side, then pass behind it to the other side until you return to the front. This is like the rotation of a millstone around it."

Ali, from his father, from more than one person, from Yunus, from Ali ibn Yaqtin, from Abu al-Hasan Musa عليه السلام, said: I (Narrator) heard Imam عليه السلام say: “The Sunnah in carrying the bier (funeral bed) is that you face the right side of the bier with your right side, holding the left side of it with your right hand. Then you pass behind it to the second side, and from there to the third side of the bier. After that, you move to the fourth side, which is on your left."

Abu Ali al-Ash'ari, from Muhammad ibn Abd al-Jabbar, from Ali ibn Hadid, from Saif ibn Amira, from Amr ibn Shimr, from Jabir, from Abu Ja'far عليه السلام, said: Imam عليه السلام said: "The Sunnah is to carry the bier (funeral bed) from its four sides, and anything beyond that is voluntary."

As for what was narrated by Ali ibn al-Husayn, from Ali ibn Musa, from Ahmad ibn Muhammad, from al-Husayn, he said: I (Narrator) wrote to Imam عليه السلام asking about the bier of the deceased - whether it has a specific side from which to start carrying it among its four sides, or whether one may carry it from any side that is convenient. Imam عليه السلام wrote back: 'From whichever side he wishes.'"

Sa'd ibn 'Abdillah, from Ahmad ibn al-Hasan, from 'Amr ibn Sa'id al-Mada'ini, from Musaddiq ibn Sadaqah, from 'Ammar al-Sabati, from Abu 'Abdillah عليه السلام, said: I asked Imam عليه السلام about the funeral procession - what should the one who carries it say? Imam عليه السلام said: "He should say, 'In the name of Allah سبحانه وتعالى, and by Allah سبحانه وتعالى, may Allah سبحانه وتعالى send blessings upon Muhammad and the family of Muhammad. O Allah سبحانه وتعالى, forgive the believing men and believing women.'"

Sa'd ibn 'Abdillah, from 'Abdullah ibn Ja'far, from Ibrahim ibn Mahziyar, from Ibn Abi 'Umayr, from Sayf ibn 'Amirah, from Jabir, from Abu Ja'far عليه السلام, said: Imam عليه السلام said: "Whoever carries a funeral bier from its four sides, Allah سبحانه وتعالى will forgive forty major sins for him."

Muhammad ibn al-Hasan al-Saffar said: “I wrote to Abu Muhammad al-Hasan al-Askari عليه السلام asking: "Is it permissible to place two deceased persons on one bier in a situation of necessity and a lack of people? And if the two deceased are a man and a woman, can they be carried on one bier and prayed over together?" Imam عليه السلام replied: "A man should not be carried together with a woman on one bier."

Ali ibn Ibrahim, from his father, from Ibn Mahbub, from Ali ibn Ri'ab, from Zurara, who said: Abu Ja'far عليه السلام attended the funeral of a man from Quraysh, and I was with Him عليه السلام. Among those present was 'Ata. A woman began wailing loudly, so 'Ata said: "She must either stop or we will leave." The woman did not stop, so 'Ata left. I said to Abu Ja'far عليه السلام: "'Ata has left (the funeral)." Imam عليه السلام said: "Why?" I replied: "Because this woman was wailing, and he told her to stop or he would leave, but she did not stop, so he left." Abu Ja'far عليه السلام said: "Let us proceed. If we abandon the truth whenever we see something false mixed with it, we would never fulfill the rights of Muslims." When Imam عليه السلام finished the prayer over the deceased, the deceased's guardian said to Abu Ja'far عليه السلام: "Return with Allah’s سبحانه وتعالى reward and mercy, for you are unable to walk further." But Abu Ja'far عليه السلام refused to leave. I said to Him عليه السلام: "He has permitted you to leave, and I have a question I need to ask you." Imam عليه السلام replied: "Continue on. We did not come with his permission, nor will we leave with his permission. Rather, this is an act of seeking virtue and reward. A person is rewarded based on how much he follows the funeral procession."