Question:

What is the ruling of Shari’a in this matter? When a husband or wife dies he/she cannot wash his/her body. Even though they cannot touch the body, either there are /not some people who can give them Ghusl.

It is said that Nikah does not remain valid after death, so it is Haram for wife to touch her husband’s body and same as for husband as well?

Answer:

This is true for a man. After his wife’s death, he cannot wash or touch her body. After her death, Nikah does not remain valid, and without Nikah they are unknown (Ghair Mahram) for each other .

The same rule applies for the woman unless she has been given a divorce.

It is forbidden for a husband to wash and touch her body, but he can look at her face. This is allowed.

All these are allowed for a woman but the condition is Nikah.

And Allah knows best.

Dr Musharraf Hussain Al-Azhari
Director of British Fatwa Council