FUNERAL RITES IN ISLAAM: UNCOVERING THE FACE AND KISSING IT

Those present at the individual’s death or those who come to see the dead person for the last time are allowed to uncover the face and kiss it. Kissing the face of the dead is considered a part of the sunnah of the Prophet (PBUH) and his companions. ‘Aa’ishah reported that when the Prophet (PBUH) came to see ‘Uthmaan ibn Math‘oon after he had died, he uncovered his face, bent over him and kissed him. ‘Aa’ishah said, “Aboo Bakr came riding on his horse from his home in Sunh. He dismounted and entered the masjid without saying anything to the people until he entered ‘Aa’ishah’s house. He then went to the Prophet (PBUH), who was covered in his striped yemeni cloak, uncovered his face, then bent over and kissed him [between his eyes] and cried”. Sahih Al-Bukhari, vol.2, p.188, no.333. The colour of the cloak was green.