If people disagree about washing the deceased, whom should we prioritize?
The person with the most right to wash the deceased is the one whom the deceased designated to wash them. This is because it is a right of the deceased, and there might be matters that the deceased does not wish anyone to see except someone they trust. Also, the deceased might prefer to be washed by someone who is more devoted and obedient to Allah.
If the deceased did not designate anyone, then the closest male relatives in lineage should be prioritized, such as the father, then the son. This is provided that the washer is the most knowledgeable person in the manner of washing. This order is resorted to in cases of dispute. However, if there is no dispute, the washing is undertaken by those who typically wash the general public, i.e., those with experience and trustworthiness.
Summary from Ftawy's records · added here
Reviewed by El Fatwa's sharia committee.
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- Ftawy
- Original fatwa ID
- 16970
- Added here
- . This is when the answer was added to El Fatwa, not the fatwa's date.
- Text
- Summary from Ftawy's records, reviewed by El Fatwa's sharia committee.
- Read the full ruling
- Read the full answer on Ftawy