If someone dies having abandoned prayer, should he be washed?

The ruling concerning one who abandons prayer depends on the reason for his abandonment:

- If his abandonment of prayer is due to his denial of its obligation: The scholars are unanimous that he has committed major disbelief (kufr akbar) that expels one from the fold of Islam. In this case, he is not to be washed or prayed over.

- If his abandonment of prayer is due to laziness or negligence, while still affirming its obligation: The scholars differed concerning him. Some held that he has committed major disbelief and is not to be washed, prayed over, or buried in Muslim cemeteries. However, the majority of them held that his disbelief is minor disbelief (kufr asghar), and he is treated like other disobedient Muslims: he is washed, shrouded, and prayed over.