The Complete Guide to Ghusl: Sunnah Method, Importance, and Related Practices in Islam

Understanding Ghusl: The Sunnah Method, Its Importance, and Related Practices in Islam

Ghusl and its Importance:

Wudu (ablution) and Ghusl are acts of worship because they are related to Salah (prayer), which is a significant act of worship. Without purification, Salah is not accepted, as the Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) said:

“لا تُقْبَلُ صَلاةٌ بغيرِ طُهُورٍ ولا صَدَقَةٌ مِن غُلُولٍ” (Sahih Muslim: 224)

Translation: “Prayer is not accepted without purification, and charity is not accepted from unlawful earnings.”

This hadith highlights the importance of purity and cleanliness in worship. Therefore, Muslims should always maintain cleanliness and follow the method of purification taught by the Prophet (PBUH). Here, I will explain the Sunnah method of Ghusl based on the hadiths of the Prophet (PBUH).

Hadiths Related to Ghusl:

1. Narrated by Aisha (RA):

   “The Prophet (PBUH) when performing Ghusl from Janabah (state of major ritual impurity), would start by washing his hands, then perform Wudu as for prayer, then run his fingers through his hair, and then pour water over his head three times with his hands, and then pour water over his entire body.” (Sahih Bukhari: 248)

2. Narrated by Aisha (RA):

   “When the Messenger of Allah (PBUH) performed Ghusl from Janabah, he would start by washing his hands, then pour water with his right hand over his left hand and wash his private parts, then perform Wudu as for prayer, then take water and run his fingers through the roots of his hair, and when he thought that the water had reached the roots, he would pour three handfuls on his head, then pour water over the rest of his body, and finally wash his feet.” (Sahih Muslim: 316)

Sunnah Method of Ghusl:

• 1. Wash Hands: Start by washing both hands.
• 2. Private Parts: Wash the private parts with the left hand.
• 3. Perform Wudu: Perform Wudu as you would for Salah.
• 4. Hair: Run your fingers through the roots of your hair to ensure water reaches the scalp.
• 5. Pour Water: Pour three handfuls of water over your head.
• 6. Entire Body: Pour water over your entire body, ensuring that no part is left dry.
• 7. Feet: Finally, wash your feet.

3. Narrated by Aisha (RA):

   “The Prophet (PBUH) when performing Ghusl from Janabah (state of major ritual impurity), would call for a vessel similar to that used for washing camel’s milk, take water with his hand, start with the right side of his head, then the left, and then take water with both hands and pour it over his head.” (Sahih Muslim: 318)

4. Narrated by Aisha (RA):

   “When the Messenger of Allah (PBUH) performed Ghusl from Janabah, he would start by washing his hands, then perform Wudu as for prayer, then run his fingers through his hair until he felt that the water had reached the roots, then pour three handfuls of water over his head, and then wash the rest of his body.” (Sunan an-Nasa’i: 423, authenticated by Al-Albani)

5. Narrated by Maimunah (RA):

   “I screened the Prophet (PBUH) while he was performing Ghusl from Janabah. He washed his hands, then poured water with his right hand over his left hand and washed his private parts, then rubbed his hand on the wall or the ground, then performed Wudu as for prayer except for his feet, then poured water over his entire body, then moved aside and washed his feet.” (Sahih Bukhari: 281)

6. Narrated by Aisha and Ibn Umar (RA):

   “Umar (RA) asked the Messenger of Allah (PBUH) about Ghusl from Janabah. The hadiths agree that he would start by pouring water on his right hand two or three times, then put his right hand into the vessel, pour water over his private parts with his left hand, wash the area thoroughly, then rub his left hand on the ground if he wished, then pour water over his left hand to clean it, then wash his hands three times, rinse his mouth and nose, wash his face and arms three times each, and when he reached his head, he would not wipe it but pour water over it. This is how the Ghusl of the Messenger of Allah (PBUH) was performed.” (Sunan an-Nasa’i: 422)

There are many hadiths about Ghusl, but I have mentioned a few of the most important ones that describe different aspects of Ghusl. Based on these hadiths, I will now explain the Sunnah method of performing Ghusl, also known as Ghusl Janabah, the complete method of Ghusl, or Ghusl for major ritual impurity.

1. Intention: Begin by making the intention (niyyah) to purify yourself and perform Ghusl, as actions are judged by intentions. (Sahih Bukhari: 1)

2. Bismillah: Say “Bismillah” (In the name of Allah) out loud if you are not in an attached bathroom. If you are in an attached bathroom, say it in your heart. If you are in a separate bathroom or at a pool or tap, say it out loud. (Abu Dawood: 101)

3. Wash Hands and Private Parts: Start by washing both hands up to the wrists, then pour water with your right hand over your left hand and wash your private parts. Clean your left hand by rubbing it on the ground or with soil. (Sahih Bukhari: 281)

4. Perform Wudu: Perform Wudu (ablution) as you would for Salah (prayer). Wash your hands three times, rinse your mouth and nose, wash your face three times, and wash your arms three times. Do not wipe your head, as it is not mentioned, and do not wash your feet yet. After completing Ghusl, move aside and wash your feet. (Bukhari: 281, Sunan an-Nasa’i: 422)

5. Wet Fingers and Hair: Wet your fingers and run them through the roots of your hair to ensure the water reaches the scalp. (Sahih Bukhari: 248)

6. Pour Water Over Head: Pour three handfuls of water over your head. (Sahih Bukhari: 248)

7. Right and Left Side: Pour water over the right side of your head, then the left side. (Sahih Muslim: 318)

8. Wash Entire Body: Pour water over your entire body, ensuring all parts are washed. Finally, move aside and wash your feet. (Bukhari: 281)

This completes your Ghusl Janabah, which is the complete method of purification from major ritual impurity.

Ghusl Janabah for All Occasions:

This same method of Ghusl Janabah should be used for Ghusl after menstruation (Hayd) and postnatal bleeding (Nifas). It is also the complete and preferred method for Ghusl on Fridays, Eid days, and whenever you wish to perform Ghusl. There is a strong emphasis on performing Ghusl on Fridays, and the Prophet (PBUH) instructed to perform Ghusl on Fridays in the same manner as Ghusl Janabah.

Narrated by Abu Huraira (RA):

“The Messenger of Allah (PBUH) said: ‘Whoever performs Ghusl on Friday like the Ghusl of Janabah and then goes (to the mosque), it is as if he offered a camel (in sacrifice). Whoever goes in the second hour, it is as if he offered a cow. Whoever goes in the third hour, it is as if he offered a horned ram. Whoever goes in the fourth hour, it is as if he offered a chicken. Whoever goes in the fifth hour, it is as if he offered an egg. When the Imam comes out, the angels present themselves to listen to the remembrance (Khutbah).'” (Sahih Bukhari: 881)

In this hadith, the Ghusl of Janabah refers to the complete method of Ghusl mentioned above. Since Friday is a significant day, one should not perform a quick and minimal Ghusl but rather the complete Ghusl, i.e., Ghusl Janabah, before going to the mosque.

Narrated by Abu Huraira (RA):

“The Messenger of Allah (PBUH) said: ‘When a woman goes out to the mosque, she should perform Ghusl to remove the fragrance as she performs Ghusl from Janabah.'” (Sunan an-Nasa’i: 5130, authenticated by Al-Albani)

Applying fragrance to the body does not put one in a state of Janabah, yet the Prophet (PBUH) instructed women to perform Ghusl Janabah to ensure complete purification and removal of the fragrance.

From these two hadiths, it is clear that whether it is a man or a woman, and whether it is Ghusl Janabah, Ghusl after menstruation (Hayd) and postnatal bleeding (Nifas), or Ghusl for Fridays, Eid days, and other occasions, performing Ghusl Janabah is the complete and preferred method of Ghusl.

As I mentioned earlier, the method of Ghusl Janabah is the complete method for Ghusl after menstruation (Hayd) and postnatal bleeding (Nifas). When a woman becomes pure from menstruation, she should perform Ghusl Janabah in the same manner. Since menstrual blood has a strong odor and can affect the body and clothes due to its continuous flow over several days, the Prophet (PBUH) instructed women to purify themselves thoroughly with water and lotus leaves during Ghusl. After Ghusl, a woman should use a piece of cloth or cotton with musk to wipe her body or the areas with odor to remove the smell and feel fresh for prayer. Here is a hadith related to Ghusl after menstruation:

Narrated by Aisha (RA):

“Asma (bint Shakal) asked the Prophet (PBUH) about Ghusl after menstruation. He said: ‘One of you should take her water and lotus leaves and purify herself well, then pour water over her head and rub it vigorously until it reaches the roots of her hair, then pour water over herself. Then she should take a piece of cloth with musk and purify herself with it.’ Asma asked, ‘How should she purify herself with it?’ He said, ‘SubhanAllah! Purify yourself with it.’ Aisha said, ‘It is as if she is concealing it,’ meaning apply it to the traces of blood. She also asked about Ghusl after Janabah. He said, ‘She should take water and perform Wudu well, then pour water over her head and rub it until it reaches the roots of her hair, then pour water over herself.’ Aisha said, ‘The women of the Ansar are excellent; shyness does not prevent them from understanding their religion properly.'” (Sahih Muslim: 332)

From this hadith, it might seem that Ghusl after menstruation is different from Ghusl Janabah, but in reality, they are the same. The Prophet (PBUH) emphasized thorough purification during menstruation due to the odor, but the complete and preferred method for all types of Ghusl is Ghusl Janabah. Nowadays, with the availability of fragrant soaps and shampoos, there is no need to use lotus leaves and musk.

It is often stated that a woman must undo her braids for Ghusl after menstruation (Hayd), but not for Ghusl Janabah. However, the correct view is that whether it is Ghusl after menstruation, Ghusl Janabah, or Ghusl after postnatal bleeding (Nifas), a woman does not need to undo her braids. Here is a relevant hadith from Sahih Muslim:

Narrated by Umm Salama (RA):

“I said, ‘O Messenger of Allah, I am a woman who tightly braids her hair. Should I undo it for Ghusl Janabah?’ He said, ‘No, it is sufficient for you to pour three handfuls of water over your head and then pour water over yourself, and you will be purified.'” (Muslim: 330)

Although this hadith mentions not undoing braids for Ghusl Janabah, another narration in Sahih Muslim states:

“Should I undo it for Ghusl after menstruation and Janabah?” He said, “No.” (Muslim: 330)

Furthermore, Imam Muslim also mentioned a general hadith about not undoing braids:

Narrated by Ubaid bin Umair:

“It reached Aisha (RA) that Abdullah bin Amr (RA) was ordering women to undo their hair when performing Ghusl. She said, ‘How strange is Ibn Amr! He orders women to undo their hair when performing Ghusl. Why doesn’t he order them to shave their heads? I and the Messenger of Allah (PBUH) used to perform Ghusl from one vessel, and I did not do more than pour three handfuls of water over my head.'” (Muslim: 331)

This hadith clearly indicates that it is not necessary for a woman to undo her braids for any type of Ghusl. The essential requirement is that water reaches the roots of the hair and all parts of the body are thoroughly washed.

Some scholars refer to a hadith from Ibn Majah to argue that women must undo their braids for Ghusl after menstruation:

Narrated by Aisha (RA):

“The Prophet (PBUH) said to her when she was menstruating, ‘Undo your hair and perform Ghusl.’ Ali bin Muhammad added in his narration, ‘Undo your head.'” (Ibn Majah: 641, authenticated by Al-Albani)

The response to this is that this instruction is considered preferable (mustahabb) rather than obligatory. The Prophet (PBUH) did not instruct the Ansari woman Asma to undo her braids for Ghusl after menstruation, and the narrations in Sahih Muslim also indicate that it is not necessary. This is the view held by the majority of scholars. Therefore, it is not obligatory for women to undo their braids for Ghusl after menstruation.

Alternative Method of Ghusl (Sufficient Ghusl):

The method of Ghusl described above is the complete and preferred method, which is the Sunnah method. However, there is also a sufficient method of Ghusl that fulfills the requirement of purification.

The sufficient method of Ghusl is as follows:

• 1. Make the intention (niyyah) for purification.
• 2. Say “Bismillah” (In the name of Allah).
• 3. Rinse the mouth and clean the nose by sniffing water and blowing it out.
• 4. Pour water over the entire body, ensuring that water reaches every part of the body, including the roots of the hair.
• 5. Rub the body to ensure that water reaches all parts and the entire body is wet.

This method is also valid for Ghusl, but the complete method of Ghusl Janabah is preferred.

Some Issues Related to Ghusl:

If a person bathes in an open place or a place where others can see them, they should wear a garment and not bathe naked. Ya’la bin Umayyah (RA) said:

“The Messenger of Allah (PBUH) saw a man bathing in an open place without a lower garment. He ascended the pulpit, praised Allah, and said: ‘Allah is modest and concealing, and He loves modesty and concealment. Therefore, when one of you bathes, let him conceal himself.'” (Sahih Abi Dawood: 4011)

If the place is private and no one can see, such as a closed bathroom, it is permissible to bathe naked. It is also reported that the Prophet (PBUH) bathed naked in such situations.

An important question is whether performing Ghusl Janabah also suffices for Wudu (ablution) and allows one to pray. The answer is that when performing Ghusl Janabah due to major impurity (Janabah, menstruation, postnatal bleeding), it also suffices for Wudu, and one can pray afterward. However, if one performs Ghusl without major impurity, such as for Friday, Eid, or to cool off or refresh, this Ghusl does not suffice for Wudu.

It is obligatory to perform Ghusl after becoming pure from Janabah, menstruation, and postnatal bleeding. If a woman experiences menstruation while in a state of Janabah or has a wet dream during menstruation, she can perform Ghusl with the intention of removing the impurity of Janabah. This will remove the impurity of Janabah, and she can then recite the Quran.

Ghusl Due to Intercourse, Wet Dreams, and Emission of Semen:

Ghusl becomes obligatory due to intercourse, wet dreams, and the emission of semen with desire. If a man inserts his private part into his wife’s private part, Ghusl becomes obligatory even if there is no ejaculation. However, mere contact of private parts, whether through clothes or without, does not necessitate Ghusl. For Ghusl to be obligatory, the head of the penis must enter the woman’s private part.

Istihadah (Irregular Bleeding):

Women who experience irregular bleeding, known as Istihadah, do not need to perform Ghusl for each prayer. Instead, they should perform Wudu (ablution) and clean the blood-stained area before Wudu.

Leukorrhea (Vaginal Discharge):

Some women experience a discharge from their private parts known as Leukorrhea. This discharge is pure in itself but invalidates Wudu. Women with Leukorrhea should perform Wudu for each prayer, similar to those with Istihadah.

Madhy (Pre-ejaculatory Fluid):

A sticky fluid that exits from the private parts of men or women without desire is known as Madhy. It is impure and invalidates Wudu, but Ghusl is not required.

Tayammum (Dry Ablution):

If Ghusl becomes obligatory and water is not available or its use is harmful, one can perform Tayammum, which suffices for both Wudu and Ghusl.

Method of Tayammum:

• 1. Strike both hands once on pure soil.
• 2. Blow off the excess dust from the hands.
• 3. Wipe the outer part of the right hand with the left hand and vice versa.
• 4. Wipe the entire face with both hands.

This completes Tayammum. (Abu Dawood: 321)