Purification

Ghusl: the Full Ritual Bath and How to Perform It

Ghusl is the washing of the whole body with the intention of purification. It removes major ritual impurity (janabah), after which wudu alone is not enough: “If you are in a state of janabah, then purify yourselves” (Qur’an 5:6).

When is ghusl obligatory?

After marital relations, even without ejaculation.
After ejaculation, whether awake or in a wet dream.
At the end of menstruation (hayd) and postnatal bleeding (nifas).
For a person who embraces Islam, according to many scholars.
For the deceased, who is washed by others.

The minimum for a valid ghusl

The intention, then making water reach the whole body, including the hair and the skin beneath it. Rinsing the mouth and nose is required by the Hanbali and Hanafi schools. Someone who showers with this intention and washes every part of the body has performed a valid ghusl.

The complete Sunnah method

Make the intention and say “Bismillah”.
Wash the hands three times.
Wash the private parts and remove any impurity.
Perform a complete wudu (the feet can be washed at the end).
Pour water over the head three times, running the fingers through the hair to the roots.
Wash the right side of the body, then the left.
Make sure water reaches hidden places: armpits, navel, behind the ears, between the toes.

This is the description given by ‘A’ishah and Maymunah of the Prophet’s ghusl (Sahih al-Bukhari, Sahih Muslim).

Recommended ghusl

Ghusl is a Sunnah for the Friday prayer, the two Eids, entering ihram for Hajj or Umrah, and according to many scholars after washing a deceased person. A woman with braided hair does not need to undo her braids for the ghusl of janabah, as long as water reaches the roots (Sahih Muslim).

Does ghusl include wudu?

A ghusl performed with the intention of removing major impurity also lifts minor impurity, so one may pray after it without a separate wudu, provided nothing breaks wudu in the meantime.

Practical questions about ghusl

Water must reach the roots of the hair and the skin, so anything that blocks it, such as nail polish or a thick waterproof layer, has to be removed first. Rings and earrings are moved so that water reaches beneath them. Braids do not need to be undone if water soaks the roots.

One ghusl can count for several reasons. If someone in a state of janabah bathes on Friday intending both the obligatory ghusl and the Friday ghusl, many scholars say both are fulfilled. Bathing in a shower, a bath or the sea is equally valid, as long as the whole body is washed with the intention of purification.

In brief

Ghusl is a full bath required after janabah, menstruation and post-natal bleeding.
The minimum is the intention and water reaching the whole body.
The Sunnah method begins with wudu and ends with the right and left sides.
It is recommended for Friday, the two Eids and ihram.
A ghusl for janabah also removes the minor impurity.

Questions and answers

Can I delay ghusl until morning?

Yes, but the prayer may not be delayed beyond its time. The Prophet ﷺ sometimes slept in a state of janabah after performing wudu.

Can I recite the Qur’an while in janabah?

The majority say a person in janabah should not recite the Qur’an until they have made ghusl, although remembrance of Allah and du‘a are allowed.

Do I need to repeat the ghusl if I break wudu during it?

No. The ghusl remains valid; you only need wudu afterwards before praying.