Fatwa ID: 03728

Answered by: Maulana Umer Khan

Question

Assalamu Alaikum,

Why do the feet have to be tied after one's death?

بِسْمِ اللهِ الرَّحْمنِ الرَّحِيْم

In the name of Allah, the Most Gracious, the Most Merciful

Answer:

When a person passes away, their eyes and mouth are closed in order to make the deceased presentable and to prevent their appearance from becoming fearsome or disliked. The jaws are tied together to prevent anything from entering the mouth. The hands and feet are straightened as this is difficult to do later once the body is cold and stiff.[1]

Tying the feet is not a must but it is recommended in order to prevent the legs from moving about while the body is being transported for washing and shrouding.

Only Allah knows best

Written by Maulana Umer Khan

Checked and approved by Mufti Mohammed Tosir Miah

Darul Ifta Birmingham