The Ruling Pertaining To Adorning The Mayyit

It is not permissible to apply Surmah (kohl or collyrium) to a deceased person's eyes This is because the purpose of applying Surmah is either to protect the eyes or for beautification. The deceased has no need for either of these. For this reason, the esteemed jurists have deemed adorning a deceased person as impermissible. As stated in Fataawa Shaami:

Translation: In Al-Quniyah, it is mentioned that adorning the deceased after death, combing the hair, and cutting the hair are not permissible. (Fataawa Shaami, Volume 3, Page 360/Chapter of Salaatul-Janaazah, Zia-ul-Quran Publications, Lahore)

In Habeebul-Fataawa, it is stated: Kohl should not be applied to the deceased after bathing them because the deceased neither needs beautification nor requires Page | 1

protection for their eyes. Therefore, this act is futile, and Surmah should never be applied to the deceased. (Habeebul-Fataawa, Chapter of Salaatul-Janaazah, Volume 1, Page 545/Shabbir Brothers, Lahore)

A question was posed to Huzoor Taajush-Shariah, Hazrat Allama Mufti Muhammad Akhtar Raza Khan Alaihir Rahma, regarding whether it is permissible to apply Surmah to a deceased person. He replied: It is impermissible. It is stated in Raddul Muhtaar:

Translation: As mentioned in Al-Quniyah, adorning the deceased after death, combing the hair, and cutting the hair are not permissible. (Fataawa Taajush-Shariah, Chapter of Salaah, Volume 4, Page 493/Jamiatur-Raza, Bareilly Shareef) In conclusion, applying Surmah to the eyes of a deceased person is not permissible.

Applying fragrance to the deceased is Sunnah and recommended It is reported in As-Sunanul-Kubra Lil-Bayhaqi:

Translation: Hazrat Abu Wa'il narrates: "Hazrat Ali RadiAllahu Anhu had some musk. He instructed that it be used in his Hanoot (applying fragrance to the body of the deceased). Page | 2

He further stated that it was remaining from the Sacred Hanoot of the Holy Prophet صلى الله عليه وسلم." (As-Sunanul-Kubra Lil-Bayhaqi, Volume 3, Page 569/Chapter of Janaazah, Darul Kutbul Ilmiyyah, Beirut)

Hazrat Humaid RadiAllahu Anhu narrates:

Translation: When Hazrat Anas bin Malik RadiAllahu Anhu passed away, musk mixed with the Blessed Perspiration of the Holy Prophet صلى الله عليه وسلمwas used in his Hanoot. (Same reference as above) However, it is important to note that applying a fragrance containing saffron to the body of a male deceased is impermissible, while it is permissible for a female deceased.

In Haashiyatut-Tahtaawi, it is mentioned:

Translation: Hanoot is a perfume composed of various fragrant substances. It is permissible to use all types except saffron and Alwars (a type of fragrant plant) for males. It should be applied to the head, beard, and the rest of the body as explained in 'Al-Jawhara' (Haashiyatut-Tahtaawi Ala Maraaqi-il-Falaah Sharh Noor-ul-Idaah, Page 570/ Darul Kutbul Ilmiyyah, Beirut)

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In Fataawa Hindiyyah, it is mentioned:

Translation: Hanoot is applied to the head, beard, and entire body. This is mentioned in 'Al-Muheet.' All types of perfumes may be used except saffron and Alwars for males, as stated in 'Idaah'. (Fataawa Hindiyyah, Volume 1, Page 177, Chapter of Janaazah/Darul Kutbul Ilmiyyah, Beirut)

Applying Kafoor (camphor) to the prostration spots of the deceased is also Sunnah and recommended Whether the deceased is male or female, camphor should be applied to the spots of prostration. If camphor is unavailable, other camphorlike fragrant substances, such as sandalwood paste, may be used.

In As-Sunanul-Kubra Lil-Bayhaqi, it is reported:

Translation: Hazrat Abdullah bin Mas'ood RadiAllahu Anhu said: "Camphor should be applied to the prostration spots." (As-Sunanul-Kubra Lil-Bayhaqi, Volume 3, Page 568, Chapter of Janaazah/Darul Kutbul Ilmiyyah, Beirut)

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In Haashiyatut-Tahtaawi, it is mentioned:

Translation: Camphor is applied to the prostration parts—the forehead, nose, hands, knees, and feet—to keep insects away. The wisdom behind specifying camphor is to honour these parts, as they are used in prostration. Therefore, they are given additional respect and protection from (easily) decaying. (Haashiyatut-Tahtaawi Ala Maraaqi-il-Falaah Sharh Noor-ul-Idaah, Page 571/Darul Kutbul Ilmiyyah, Beirut)

In Fataawa Hindiyyah, it is stated:

Translation: Camphor should be applied to the forehead, nose, hands, knees, and feet. (Same reference as above)

In Bahaar-e-Shariat, it is mentioned: "The Kafani should be put on, fragrance should then be applied to the beard and entire body. Camphor should be applied to the prostration parts, i.e., the forehead, nose, hands (palms), knees, and

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feet. It is impermissible to apply a fragrance containing saffron to a male deceased, however it is permissible for a female deceased." (Bahaar-e-Shariat, Part 4, Page 141/Qadri Kitaab Ghar, Bareilly Shareef)

Summary: Applying Surmah to the eyes of a deceased person is impermissible. Applying fragrance to the body of a deceased person is permissible and recommended. However, for male deceased, fragrances containing saffron are not allowed, while they are permissible for female deceased. Applying camphor or camphor-like fragrant substances, such as sandalwood paste, to the prostration parts is Sunnah and recommended.