A shroud is a piece of cloth or fabric used to cover or wrap a body, typically for burial. It serves both practical and symbolic purposes, providing dignity to the deceased and protecting the body from the elements. Shrouds can be made from various materials, including linen or cotton, and are often simple in design. In many cultures, the use of a shroud is part of traditional funeral practices. For example, in Islam, it is customary to wrap the deceased in a plain white shroud called a kafan. This practice emphasizes equality in death, as all individuals are treated similarly regardless of their status in life.