Preparing the Deceased
Kafan and Hunoot
In short
Applying camphor to the seven places of sajdah, and the three pieces of the kafan.
How the deceased is camphorated and shrouded.
Hunoot: applying camphor
ObligatoryAfter the ghusl, camphor is applied to the seven places that touch the ground in sajdah. It can be done before or during the shrouding.
- The forehead
- Both palms
- Both knees
- The tips of both big toes
Conditions and exceptions
- The camphor should be fresh enough to have its scent.
- Hunoot is not done for a person who died in the state of ihram.
The kafan: three obligatory pieces
ObligatoryThe deceased is shrouded in three pieces of cloth:
- The loincloth (mi'zar / lungi): covers from the navel to the knees; it is better if it reaches from the chest to the feet.
- The shirt (qamees / kurta): covers from the shoulders to the middle of the shins; better if it reaches the feet.
- The full sheet (izaar / chaddar): longer than the body so it can be tied at the head and feet, and wide enough for one side to overlap the other.
Conditions and exceptions
- The cloth must be pure (tahir).
- It must not be pure silk or woven with gold.
- It must not be usurped.
- The cost of the obligatory kafan is taken from the estate of the deceased.
More detail
The Najafyia guide cites ruling 558 for the three pieces. Dimensions above follow Al-Islam.org. Regional measurements (for example, yardage counts) are local customs, not religious requirements.
Recommended additions
RecommendedThese are recommended, separate from the obligatory kafan:
- Two fresh green stalks (jareedatayn), usually palm, placed with the body.
- A little khaak al-shifa (soil from Karbala) placed with the deceased, kept away from any impurity.
- A written witness (shahadatnama) of the deceased's faith.
More detail
The Najafyia guide, attributing it to Shaykh al-Tusi, describes a document written witnessing the belief of the deceased, signed by one witness and attested by forty believers, folded and placed with the palm stalk on the right side, preferably written with camphor.
Sources and review
- Najafyia Foundation, Guide for the Relatives of Marhumeen (May 2024) — p. 4, citing Islamic Laws rulings 530, 538, 558
- Al-Islam.org — Death and Death Ceremonies, Part 2: Ahkaam al-Mayyit — Ghusl al-Mayyit; Hunoot; Kafan
- Sayyid Ali al-Sistani, Islamic Laws — rules concerning the dead — Ghusl of the dead; Hunoot; Kafan
Primary jurisprudential reference: the rulings of Sayyid Ali al-Husayni al-Sistani. Review status: Approved.