Teaching the Dying Person and a Husband Washing His Wife

Question:
May Allah reward you and bless you. Umm 'Abd al-Rahman says: As for the Honorable Shaykh, first I ask the Shaykh (may Allah preserve him) about teaching the dying person: when does it take place, and is it before or after the person’s death? And is it permissible for a husband to wash his wife, and vice versa?

Answer:
The dying person is at the point of death. The Prophet (peace and blessings be upon him) said: So teach him before his soul departs and he is conscious. As long as he has his mind, he hears what is said. But if he has died and his soul has departed, then he does not meet it. The time for teaching the dying person has ended. This is teaching the dying person: saying "There is no god but Allah" before his soul departs, if he has his mind, hears what is said, and is able to speak, so that this good word is his last word. Did you understand the question? Is it permissible for the husband to wash his wife? Yes. It is permissible for the husband to wash his wife, because 'Ali (may Allah be pleased with him) washed Fatimah (may Allah be pleased with her), and vice versa: it is permissible for the wife to wash her husband, because Asma' bint Umayyis (may Allah be pleased with her) washed her husband, Abu Bakr al-Siddiq (may Allah be pleased with him). May Allah reward you and bless you.