Note 151

151. the deceased should be enfolded in five sheets of silk or cotton # 130

In the &Bayan, the &Bab specified that the body of the deceased should be wrapped in five sheets of silk or cotton. &Baha'u'llah confirmed this provision and added the stipulation that for "those whose means are limited a single sheet of either fabric will suffice".

When asked whether the "five sheets" mentioned in the law referred to "five full-length shrouds" or "five cloths which were hitherto customarily used", &Baha'u'llah responded +P230 that the intention is the "use of five cloths" (Q and A 56).

Concerning the way in which the body should be wrapped, there is nothing in the &Baha'i Writings to define how the wrapping of the body is to be done, either when "five cloths" are used or only "a single sheet". At present, the &Baha'is are free to use their judgement in the matter.