How to Shroud a Muslim Body: Kafan Wrapping Steps for Men and Women

What the Kafan Must Be

The Islamic burial shroud (kafan) is deliberately simple. It consists of plain, white, unstitched cotton cloth. No embellishment, no silk, no embroidery, no gold thread. The simplicity is the point — in death, every person stands equal before Allah, regardless of their worldly status.

The fabric should be thick enough that the body is not visible through it, but it does not need to be expensive. Standard white cotton muslin or broadcloth works perfectly. Many mosques stock pre-cut kafan sets; Islamic supply stores and online retailers sell prepared shroud kits.

In an emergency where mosque supplies or Islamic stores are not accessible, clean white cotton bedsheets from a regular retailer can serve as kafan — simply tear off any stitched hems, since the cloth must be unstitched.

Shroud Layers for a Male (3 Pieces)

A deceased male is wrapped in three layers of cloth:

1. Lifafah (Outer Sheet) — approximately 4 feet × 8 feet. This is the largest piece, spread first on the shrouding table. It wraps around the entire body from above the head to below the feet.

2. Izar (Body Wrap) — approximately 4 feet × 6 feet. Placed on top of the Lifafah. This wraps around the body from head to foot.

3. Qamees (Shirt) — approximately 4 feet × 6 feet. Folded in half with a slit cut at the center for the head. It is placed over the body like a long, sleeveless tunic before the outer layers are folded.

Shroud Layers for a Female (5 Pieces)

A deceased female is wrapped in five layers:

1. Lifafah (Outer Sheet) — same as for males, approximately 4 feet × 8 feet.

2. Sinaband (Chest Wrap) — approximately 4 feet × 4 feet. This wraps the torso from the armpits to the thighs.

3. Izar (Body Wrap) — approximately 4 feet × 6 feet.

4. Qamees (Shirt) — approximately 4 feet × 6 feet, folded with a head slit.

5. Orni/Khimar (Head Veil) — approximately 4 feet × 4 feet. Used to cover the head, hair, and face.

The Wrapping Procedure

Preparation

Before placing the body on the shrouding table, lay the sheets in the correct order from bottom to top:

1. Spread three to six cotton tie strings (each about 4 inches wide and 4 feet long) horizontally across the table at intervals — one above where the head will rest, one at the chest, one at the waist, one at the knees, and one below the feet. These will secure the completed shroud.

2. Lay the Lifafah on top of the strings.

3. For a female, add the Sinaband.

4. Lay the Izar on top of the Sinaband (or on top of the Lifafah for a male).

5. Place the Qamees with the head opening centered.

Placing the Body

After ghusl (ritual washing) and drying, transfer the body onto the prepared sheets. Apply camphor (kafoor) to the seven points of prostration: forehead, nose, both palms, both knees, and the soles of both feet.

For a female, arrange the hair in three braids and lay them behind the body (on either side and down the back, or all behind). Place the Orni/Khimar over the head.

Wrapping

1. Fold the Qamees down over the body.
2. Fold the left side of the Izar over the body first, then the right side over it.
3. For a female, wrap the Sinaband around the torso.
4. Fold the left side of the Lifafah over, then the right side.
5. Gather the excess fabric above the head and below the feet, folding it inward.
6. Tie the cotton strings securely — above the head, around the chest, at the waist, and below the feet — to keep the shroud intact during transport to the cemetery.

The strings are untied and removed just before the body is placed in the grave.

Where to Buy Kafan Supplies

• Your local mosque — most established mosques stock kafan kits and make them available at no cost or for a small donation
• Islamic funeral supply stores — available in most major cities with significant Muslim populations
• Online retailers — search for "Islamic kafan set" or "Muslim burial shroud kit"; pre-cut sets with tie strings are available, with prices varying by supplier and location
• Emergency option — white cotton King-size flat sheets from any retailer; remove stitched hems by tearing

For a full walkthrough of the shrouding process with visual guidance, a supply checklist, and step-by-step instructions for ghusl, Janazah prayer, and burial — all covering the specific requirements of each Sunni school — the Muslim (Sunni) Funeral Guide provides everything in one printable resource.