Chapter on Instructing the Dying (Talqin al-Muhtadarin)

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."