JEDDAH — There are 10 certified and licensed ghusl facilities (where dead bodies are washed before they are buried) in Jeddah, according to the Ministry of Islamic Affairs, Endowments, Call and Guidance.

 

Bakr Khasheem, executive director of Asdiqaa Society that offers funeral support for bereaved families, told Makkah daily the number of such facilities is few because the ministry has set strict regulations monitoring the work of charity foundations and other voluntary activities.

 

He said: “In the past, ghusl facilities had no restrictions as many offered the service as charity work.

 

“However, many charity ghusl facilities have exploited the family members of the deceased and had them pay for their service when it should have been offered for free.”

 

He said the Ministry of Islamic Affairs and the Ministry of Health are cooperating to inspect operating ghusl facilities and close down the ones that do not meet regulations.

 

“So far, 30 different ghusl facilities were shut down in Jeddah.

“Workers in the facilities cannot work without undergoing training by the Ministry of Islamic Affairs and earning a certificate.

 

“They also undergo a medical examination to ensure they do not have any contagious diseases.”

 

He added no cemetery would accept any body without the death certificate, attestation of ghusl and a witness statement confirming the body’s identity. “The Ministry of Islamic Affairs is cooperating with the Ministry of Health to ensure that the workers at these ghusl facilities are also safe and protected from diseases.”

 

He also said Jeddah Governor Prince Mishaal Bin Majed plans to establish a fully equipped ghusl facility that is 1,000 sq. meters large with a section for men and one for women, a reception and a parking lot.