Chapter on Guiding the Dying, Positioning Them at Death, Procedures for Their Final Moments, Washing Them, and Placing Them in Shrouds

The Shaykh (Al-Mufid), may Allah سبحانه وتعالى support him, said: “Once the prayer over the deceased is completed, the bier should be brought close to the grave and placed on the ground for a short while. Then it should be moved slightly forward and left for a brief moment. After that, it should be brought to the edge of the grave. The head of the deceased should be positioned at the end of the grave corresponding to his feet, and the guardian (Wali) or someone appointed by the guardian should descend into the grave. When descending, the person should remove his footwear and unfasten his buttons. If another person descends to assist, it is permissible.”