Seeking Advice on Performing Ghusl Mayyit
As-salamu alaykum dear brothers and sisters, I hope you’re all well insha’Allah. I’ve been thinking a lot about the ghusl for someone who has passed away (Allah yerhamhum) after a conversation with my family about a year ago. It’s made me want to learn how to perform this important act. I’ve always been interested in how different communities handle death and funeral rites, and Alhamdulillah, I truly feel our Islamic way is the best. It comforts me to imagine our final moments being cleansed in a way similar to wudu or ghusl and then wrapped simply in a shroud. It’s respectful, affordable, and brings the community together in prayer, not like a business. Unfortunately, some cultural habits around funerals in my background have affected the proper manners at the house of death (Bait al-Mawt), but Islamically, I find it very peaceful. I’m curious if anyone here has done ghusl for the deceased, once or multiple times? What made you decide to do it? Do you still do it? How did you handle your emotions during the process? I want to learn this act of worship, though I probably wouldn’t do it often except maybe for close sisters. I’m a very emotional person and cry easily, but Alhamdulillah, my work has helped me develop some emotional resilience. Still, I worry about becoming overwhelmed or making mistakes, even though I know I would be trained. I wear hijab and pray regularly, and I consider myself a Muslim by choice, but I’m not very knowledgeable in deen, especially Quran reading or understanding. Do you think this growing interest might be something Allah is guiding me toward as an act of ibadah? Sorry for the long message, I’m just a little confused. If anyone has experience, especially sisters, please share your thoughts and advice. Jazakum Allahu khairan.