Q 4: Amongst the Mustahab (desirable) acts is to wash the dead with Sidr (lotus jujube), how is it used? Is it any type of Sidr or specific to that from Makkah and Al-Madinah for some special properties?

A: It is Sunnah (an act following the example of the Prophet) to add Sidr to the water when washing the dead, according to a Hadith narrated in the Two Sahih (authentic) Books of Hadith (i.e. Al-Bukhari and Muslim) from Ibn ‘Abbas (may Allah be pleased with them both) about a man whose neck was broken by a fall from his camel at ‘Arafah. The Prophet (peace be upon him) said, “Wash him with water and Sidr, and shroud him in his two pieces of cloth. Do not put perfume on him or cover his head, as he will be resurrected on the Day of Resurrection reciting the Talbiyah (devotional expressions chanted at certain times during Hajj and ‘Umrah).” The Sidr leaves should be dried and then ground and mixed with water. (Part No. 8; Page No. 358) The meant Sidr is the leaves of the well-known lote-tree, not specifically that of Makkah or Al-Madinah. May Allah grant us success. May peace and blessings be upon our Prophet Muhammad, his family, and Companions.