large, in which he collects the water with which he will wash the deceased, keeping it at a distance from him, and two small vessels; he pours from one of them onto the deceased, and uses the third to scoop from the large vessel into the small one with which he washes the deceased, so that the large one remains protected. If the water in the small one becomes spoiled, or if splashes of water fall into it, what remains in the large one will be sufficient. He whips the Sidr and washes the deceased's head and beard with its foam, and makes it reach the rest of his body, just as a living person does when performing ghusl.

Section: If he does not find Sidr, he washes him with that which serves as a substitute and is similar to it, such as al-khitmi (marshmallow plant) and the like, because the intended purpose is achieved through it. If he washes him with that while Sidr is available, it is permissible, because the Law came with this for a rational meaning, which is cleansing, and it therefore extends to everything in which that meaning is found.

338 - Issue: He said: (And he shall use gentleness with him in all his affairs).

Gentleness is recommended with the deceased when turning him, scrubbing his limbs, squeezing his abdomen, softening his joints, and in all his affairs, out of respect for him, for he is likened to the living in his sanctity. One is not secure that, if he is rough with him, a limb might become detached, which would be a mutilation of him. Indeed, the Prophet (may Allah bless him and grant him peace) said: "Breaking the bone of a deceased is like breaking the bone of the living." And he said: "Verily, Allah loves gentleness in all affairs."