Tips for Choosing the Right Burial Shroud for a Muslim Deceased

Caring for a deceased loved one is never easy, especially when the heart is still heavy with grief. One important part of this process is choosing and using a shroud that follows the Sunnah. That is why it is important for grieving families to select the right shroud for a Muslim deceased.

It Is Recommended to Choose a Fine Shroud

إِذَا كَفَّنَ أَحَدُكُمْ أَخَاهُ فَلْيُحَسِّنْ كَفَنَهُ

"When one of you shrouds his brother, let him make his shroud good." (Narrated by Muslim, no. 943)

From the hadith above, "making it good" refers not only to the quality of the cloth but also to the way the shrouding itself is done. In terms of the cloth, what is recommended is a shroud that is white, clean, and able to cover the whole body well.

In terms of practice, the wrapping of the body must also follow the rules taught in the Islamic law. Sheikh Abdullah Al-Fauzan emphasized these two things: the cloth should be of decent quality, and the shrouding should follow the proper rules.

Al-Baghawi rahimahullah clarified: "What is meant by 'good' here is that the cloth is white and clean, not an expensive (luxurious) shroud." (Syarhus Sunnah, 5: 315)

How to Choose a Shroud for a Muslim Deceased

Below are 4 tips you can follow when choosing a shroud for a deceased Muslim, namely:

1. Type of Shroud Cloth

You may consider cotton as the main choice for a shroud. Cotton has a soft character, absorbs liquids, and is not hot. In addition, the material is easy to find at fabric shops at an affordable price.

If you want slightly higher quality, linen can be an appealing option. This fabric is known to be strong, durable, and fairly resistant to humid air. However, its price tends to be higher than cotton.

An important note: avoid using silk, especially for male deceased, as this is prohibited in Islamic teachings.

2. Number of Layers

You should know that the number of shroud layers differs between male and female deceased. For male deceased, the Sunnah is to use three layers of cloth. Three layers are sufficient to wrap the body neatly without excess, in line with the principle of simplicity in Islam.

Female deceased, meanwhile, require five layers of shroud. This includes one layer to cover the head, two for the body, and one more to wrap the entire body. The reason is clear: a woman's awrah in Islam is more extensive, so the number of layers is adjusted to that need.

3. Measuring the Shroud

When you want to choose a shroud that fits well, the first step is to measure the body of the deceased accurately. For length, take the deceased's height and add about 50 to 60 cm, so there is extra room at the head and feet for tying.

For width, you can multiply the body's width by three, so that every part of the body is covered securely. Typically, the total cloth needed can reach 12 to 15 meters, depending on the deceased's build. This size cannot be generalized, so make sure you measure directly, so the shroud is neither too tight nor excessive.

4. Color of the Shroud

If you are preparing a shroud, try to choose white. This color is recommended because it is cleaner, simpler, and reflects dignity for the deceased.

White cloth is also the main choice for both men and women. Beyond color, you should choose new cloth rather than used cloth. New cloth tends to be more suitable and clean for use in shrouding.

However, if circumstances do not allow it, and only non-white or older cloth is available, you may still use it, as long as the cloth can cover the deceased decently and modestly. The provisions regarding the color of shrouds for the deceased are found in the book Mausu'ah Al-Fiqhiyyah Al-Kuwaitiyyah:

أَمَّا تَحْسِينُ صِفَةِ الْكَفَنِ: فَإِنَّهُ يُسْتَحَبُّ الْبَيَاضُ فِي الْكَفَنِ لِحَدِيثِ ابْنِ عَبَّاسٍ رَضِيَ اللَّهُ عَنْهُمَا مَرْفُوعًا: الْبَسُوا مِنْ ثِيَابِكُمُ الْبَيَاضَ، فَإِنَّهَا مِنْ خَيْرِ ثِيَابِكُمْ، وَكَفِّنُوا بِهَا مَوْتَاكُمْ وَالْجَدِيدُ أَفْضَل مِنَ الْقَدِيمِ، عَلَى خِلَافٍ فِي ذَلِكَ بَيْنَ الْفُقَهَاءِ

Meaning: "As for making the quality of the shroud good, it is recommended that it be white, based on the hadith narrated by Ibn Abbas, may Allah be pleased with them both, as a marfu' report: "Wear white garments, for they are the best of your garments, and shroud your dead with them." As for new clothing being more virtuous than old, this remains a matter of debate among the jurists.”

The Sunnah of the Shroud for the Deceased

A shroud is not merely a wrapping for the body, but also part of the final act of honor for a Muslim. You are encouraged to choose the shroud carefully when shrouding the deceased, which includes:

1. Clean, not worn out, and decent—not because it is expensive, but because the intention is to honor the deceased.

2. White is preferred, as it is considered the best, and scholars agree on this.

3. For men, use three layers of shroud; for women, five layers. If possible, use the cloth commonly used for prayer, as it is the cleanest and most pure.

In short, choose a shroud that can cover the whole body decently, is thick enough, and shows no sign of excess or extravagance.

Now That You Know the Tips for Choosing a Shroud?

In Islam, shrouding the deceased in a good manner is part of the Sunnah that shows our respect for those who have passed away. Moreover, when loss arrives suddenly, families are often faced with many decisions in a short time.

This is where Kamboja is here to help you. Kamboja gives peace of mind to grieving families. Kamboja offers complete funeral services, from washing and shrouding to preparing the deceased with proper and standardized equipment.

You do not need to feel confused or rush into decisions when grief comes. Simply entrust the matter to a professional team who understands every stage of funeral care with deep empathy.

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