The Shaykh (Al-Mufid), may Allah سبحانه وتعالى support him, said: "The washing of a child is the same as the washing of an adult." If the child has passed away, it follows the same rulings as other deceased persons, and the obligation of ghusl applies to it as it falls under the general command. He, (Shaykh (Al-Mufid)), further stated: "The use of palm branches (jareedah) applies to all deceased Muslims, whether adults or children, men or women, as it is a Sunnah and a virtuous practice." The reasoning for this ruling is also what has been mentioned before - when instructed to place the palm branch with the deceased, it is not limited to adults over children, nor to men over women. The Shaykh (Al-Mufid), may Allah سبحانه وتعالى support him, added: "The origin of placing the palm branch with the deceased is linked to the event when Allah سبحانه وتعالى sent Adam عليه السلام down to earth."
Commentary #32