In the Hanafi school of fiqh, giving ghusl (ritual washing) to a dead body is a fard kifayah (communal obligation). If some perform it correctly, the duty is lifted from the rest.
Step-by-Step (Hanafi Method of Ghusl for the Deceased)
Preparation
Place the body on a clean platform/table, covered and in a private area.
Keep the body’s awrah (private parts) covered at all times.
For men: navel to knees.
For women: chest to knees (with female washers).
Remove clothes carefully.
Intention (Niyyah)
Make intention: “I am performing ghusl for this deceased for the sake of Allah.”
Cleaning Impurities
Wear gloves or wrap cloth around the hands.
Gently press the stomach so any impurity may exit.
Wash away all impurities with water.
Wudu (Ablution)
Perform the wudu of the deceased similar to a living person:
Wash face.
Wash arms up to elbows.
Masah (wipe) of head and ears.
Wash feet.
(Do not put water in the nose or mouth directly; instead use a wet cloth/swab to wipe inside lips and nostrils lightly.)
Full Ghusl
Wash the head and hair with water (can use mild soap/shampoo if needed).
Wash the right side of the body from head to toe.
Then wash the left side.
Finally, wash the whole body once more (at least three times total).
Use camphor (kafoor) or scented water in the final wash if available.
Drying
Gently dry the body with a clean towel.
Comb the hair/beard lightly if needed.
For women: braid the hair into three plaits and place them behind the head.
Shrouding (Kafan)
After ghusl, the body is wrapped in the kafan (shroud) according to Sunnah.
Important Notes (Hanafi)
Men should wash men, women should wash women. Exception: husband may wash wife, and wife may wash husband.
Privacy must always be maintained.
If water is not available, tayammum may be done (wiping with clean earth).
Only those trusted and knowledgeable should perform the ghusl.
✅ This is the standard Hanafi fiqh method of ghusl for the deceased.
Recommendation: Learn practically from a trusted scholar or community member, as this is both a sacred and sensitive duty.