SECTION OF THE DEAD · 39 – BATHING AFTER WASHING A CORPSE
Aisha (may Allah be pleased with her) related:
The Messenger of Allah (peace and blessings upon him) would perform ghusl for four reasons:
1. From janabah (sexual impurity).
2. On Friday.
3. From having bloodletting done.
4. From washing the deceased.
EXPLANATION
It is not obligatory according to any madhhab (legal school) for one who washes a corpse to perform ghusl. However, if water splashes from the corpse onto a part of our body while washing, it may be recommended to wash that area and cleanse the used water, due to uncertainty about its state.
Abu Hurayra, may Allah be pleased with him, narrated that the Prophet, peace and blessings be upon him, said: "The one who washes a body for burial should perform ghusl (ritual bath), and the one who carries it should perform ablution."
It is reported on the authority of Abu Huraira, may Allah be pleased with him, that a narration was related concerning the meaning of a hadith from the Messenger of Allah, peace and blessings be upon him.
Abu Dawud said: This hadith is abrogated (mansukh). Ahmed bin Hanbal was asked about ritual purification (ghusl) due to washing a deceased person, and he said that ablution suffices.
Abu Dawud said: Abu Salih has inserted Ishaq between himself and Abu Huraira in this hadith. The hadith of Mus’ab is weak, because it contains certain characteristics which are not acted upon today.