abdas, noun

Origin:
PersianShow more From Persian ābdast ablution before prayer, āb water + dast hand.
In the Cape Muslim community: the ritual washing of a corpse.
1937 Argus in I.D. Du Plessis Cape Malays (1944) 30The ceremonial ablution known as abdas then follows. The body is washed and persistently massaged with hot water until all the limbs are as soft and pliant as those of a living person.
1949 E. Hellmann Handbk on Race Rel. 595A bench and a bath are brought into the room, and the corpse, its face towards Mecca, is washed and cleaned. These ablutions are known as abdas.
1953 Du Plessis & Lückhoff Malay Quarter 39The clothes of the dead man are removed and the body washed. This ceremonial ablution is known as abdas and holy water or ayer sumbaiyang is used for the purpose.
1985 S. Afr. Panorama Jan. 24The death of a Cape Malay is an occasion of profound solemnity...After death follows the ablution ceremony, the abdas.
the ritual washing of a corpse.
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19371985