What is the authenticity of the hadith: "Whoever washes a corpse, let him take a bath," and does the command indicate obligation?
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The questioner : O Shaykh, what is the authenticity of the hadith: Sunan Abi Dawud 3161Sahih (Al-Albani)? And does the command indicate obligation? And what is the meaning of his saying (peace and blessings be upon him): Musnad Ahmad 1073Sahih Hadeeth] (Darussalam)?
The Shaykh : As for his command (peace and blessings be upon him and his family) to the one who washed the corpse to take a bath, this is first of all an authentic, established hadith, there is no doubt in it. As for the nature of this command; is it for obligation or for recommendation? The answer is: It is not for obligation, but rather for recommendation. This is because it is established that some of the Companions used to take a bath and some did not. The practice of the earliest generations in not adhering to this command indicated that it is not obligatory, but rather it is a recommended command. So, it is recommended for the one who washes the corpse to take a bath. If he does not do so, there is no sin on him. This is because the command is not always for obligation, and here too it is not for obligation.
He who washes the dead should take a bath, and he who carries him should perform ablution.
من غسَّل ميت فليغتسل ، ومن حمله فليتوضَّأDo not pray after ‘Asr unless you pray when the sun is still high.
لا تصلوا بعد العصر إلا أن تصلوا والشمس مرتفعةThe Shaykh : As for his command (peace and blessings be upon him and his family) to the one who washed the corpse to take a bath, this is first of all an authentic, established hadith, there is no doubt in it. As for the nature of this command; is it for obligation or for recommendation? The answer is: It is not for obligation, but rather for recommendation. This is because it is established that some of the Companions used to take a bath and some did not. The practice of the earliest generations in not adhering to this command indicated that it is not obligatory, but rather it is a recommended command. So, it is recommended for the one who washes the corpse to take a bath. If he does not do so, there is no sin on him. This is because the command is not always for obligation, and here too it is not for obligation.
Source
www.al-albany.com
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