Shrouding in Islam

AL-KAFFAN (Can also be written as Kaffan / Kafn / Kafan)

Shrouding should start immediately after washing the body of the deceased. It is recommended to use white sheets from inexpensive material. Extravagance is not recommended in the Kaffan (Shroud). All measurements may vary depending on the stature of the deceased. The material of the sheet should not have any stitching, not be silk, nor should any gold be used.

A) THE KAFFAN OF A MALE

The Kaffan of a male should consist of three white wrapping sheets, and 3-4 tie ropes

• Outer sheet -Lifafah
• Second sheet -Izaar
• Third sheet -Qamees (shirt)
• 3-4 ties
• 2 smaller sheets (satar) used cover the private parts (Auwra) one before and the other after Ghusl. 

STEPS OF SHROUDING FOR MALE:

• The wrapping sheets should be opened and spread out one on the top of the other.
• Roll up the front half of the top sheet towards the head – Qamees (shirt).
• The deceased, covered with a sheet (satar), is lifted and laid on his back on this top sheet (Qamees).
• The Qamees is then unrolled over the front of the body and once the body is covered then remove the satar (covering sheet).
• Some scent or perfume or sandal wood paste may be put on those parts of the body upon which one rests during prostration, that is the forehead, nose, hands, knees, and feet.
• If it is possible the deceased’s left hand should be placed on his chest, then put his right hand on the left hand like the way in the Salah (Prayer). If not place the hands on the side of the body.
• The edge of the next sheet (Izaar) is then folded over the deceased right side, then the other edge over his left side.
• Then the last sheet (Lifafah) should be folded the same way.
• These sheets should be fastened with a piece of cloth (tie ropes), one above the head, another under the feet, and two around the body.
• This completes the shrouding for the male.

B) THE KAFAN OF A FEMALE

The Kaffan of a female should consist of five white garments and 4 ties

• Outermost sheet – Lifafah
• Second sheet – Sinaband -to cover from under armpits to thighs
• Third sheet – Izaar
• Fourth layer – Qamees
• Last piece -Orni -to cover head and hair
• 3-4 ties
• 2 smaller sheets (satar) used cover the private parts one before and the other after Ghusl.

STEPS OF SHROUDING FOR FEMALE:

All the sheets should be spread out in layers

• Roll up the front half of the top sheet towards the head – Qamees (shirt).
• The deceased, covered with a sheet (satar), is lifted and laid on her back on this top sheet (Qamees).
• The Qamees is then unrolled over the front of the body and once the body is covered then remove the satar (covering sheet).
• Some scent or perfume may be put on those parts of the body upon which one rests during prostration, that is the forehead, nose, hands, knees, and feet.
• The Sinaband (loin cloth) is bound round (acts like underwear).
• Put the head veil.
• The deceased’s left hand should be placed on her chest, then put her right hand on the left hand like the way in the Salat (Prayer).
• The edge of the Izaar sheet is folded over the deceased right side, then the other edge over his left side.
• Then the last (Lifafah) sheet should be folded the same way.
• These sheets should be fastened with a piece of cloth (tie ropes), one above the head, another under the feet, and two around the body.