Kaffan for a Male

THE KAFAN OF A MALE

The Kafan of a male should consist of three white winding sheets about {7 x 7 feet}, clean and large enough to conceal the whole body, after having been perfumed with incense. Use 4 tie ropes, each 7 feet long (Figure (1)). The material of the sheet should not be silk, nor should any gold be used.

STEPS OF SHROUDING

The winding sheets should be spread out one on the top of the other. The deceased, covered with a sheet, is lifted and laid on his back on the winding sheets. 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. 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 Salaat (Prayer).

The edge of the top sheet is folded over the deceased right side, then the other edge over his left side. Then the second sheet should be folded the same way. The third and the largest sheet should be treated the same way. These sheets should be fastened with a piece of cloth {Tie ropes}, one above the head, and another under the feet, and two
around the body.



THE KAFN

The Kain are the grave clothes of the dead. It is desirable that the Kain be of white material and of medium quality according to the status of the deceased. Rasulullah said "Do not use Expensive cloth in Kafn, because it will very soon decay." It is PERMISSIBLE to prepare one's
Kafn during one's lifetime. This will avoid last minute rush and inconvenience.

KAFN FOR MALE
The MASNOON Kain for a male is an IZAAR, QAMEES and LIFAFAH. The Izaar is this case is a
sheet from the head to the feet, whereas the Ames is a long sheet that has to be folded in half and an opening cut to allow it to be put on as a shirt. The latter will have no pockets, sleeves or seams. The Lifafah is a sheet from above the head to below the feet, Just TWO, the Izaar and Lifafah will also suffice, but it is SUNNAT to have the THREE. It is MAKROOH to use less than two without a valid reason.

HOW THE KAFN SHOULD BE PUT ON MALE:

MASNOON SEQENCE.

1. First spread the LIFAFAH on the floor, then on it the IZAAR and on it that portion of the QAMEES that will be under the body. The portion that will cover the top of the body should be folded and put at the head side.
2. Lower the body gently onto the Kafn and cover the top of the belly up to the calf with the folded portion of the Ames.
3. Remove the TEHBAND and sheet used for covering the SATR.
4. Rub ITR or HUNOOT on the HEAD and BEARD.
5. Then rub camphor mixture paste on the places of SAJDAH, (i. e. those parts of the body that touch the ground in NAMAAZ: forehead, nose both the palms, knees and the forefeet.
6. First fold the LEFT flap and on it the RIGHT flap of the IZAAR over the QAMEES.
7. Thereafter fold the LIFAFAH in the same manner. Remember that the RIGHT flap must be on the top.
8. Lastly fasten the ends of the LIFAFAH

PROHIBITED ARTICLES IN THE KAFN

1. It is prohibited to enclose any charter or any other Du’aa on the Kafn.

2. It is forbidden to write the Kalima or any other Du’aa on the Kafn or on the chest of the deceased with camphor, ink, etc.

WHAT TO DO AFTER THE KAFN

With the completion of the Ghusl and Kafn, the Mayyit (deceased person) is ready for DAFAN (burial). No time should be wasted and the Namaaz of the Janaza should be arranged without delay. Rasulullah (S.A.W.) has said:

 "If a person passes away, hasten him to his grave and do not keep him away."

The Janaza Namaaz should be arranged quickly and the Mayyit should be buried in the nearest Muslim Qabrastaan (cemetery). To transport the body over long distances is undesirable. It is also MAKROOH to delay the Janaza Namaaz and wait for late comers to increase the Jamaat.

IMPORTANT:

• It is only permissible for MAHRAM women of the deceased male to see his face.
• They are his WIFE, MOTHER, GRAND MOTHER (paternal and maternal), SISTERS, AUNTS and (GRAND DAUGHTERS, etc.)
• Similarly only the MAHRAM males should view the face of a deceased female.
• They are her HUSBAND, FATHER, GRAND FATHER, BROTHERS, UNCLES, SONS and GRANDSONS, etc.
• In both cases of a male and female Mayyit, the face of the deceased should NOT be kept OPEN after the Kafn is put on.
• It is permissible to recite the Qur'an after the Ghusl has been performed.