The Proper Way to Perform Ghusl (Ritual Purification) According to the Prophet’s Example

Ghusl: Following the Prophet’s Method for Valid Ritual Purification

Question: If someone takes a bath without performing the obligatory acts of Ghusl (ritual purification), what is the ruling on this? Since one does not wash their head daily, some people say that if one bathes without fulfilling the obligatory acts, the Ghusl is invalid.

Answer: In matters of religion, our example is the Prophet Muhammad (ﷺ). Therefore, we should not pay attention to what others say but rather look at the method of Ghusl as practiced by the Prophet Muhammad (ﷺ). According to a narration by Aisha (رضي الله عنها):

أنَّ النبيَّ صَلَّى اللهُ عليه وسلَّمَ كانَ إذَا اغْتَسَلَ مِنَ الجَنَابَةِ ، بَدَأَ فَغَسَلَ يَدَيْهِ، ثُمَّ يَتَوَضَّأُ كما يَتَوَضَّأُ لِلصَّلَاةِ، ثُمَّ يُدْخِلُ أصَابِعَهُ في المَاءِ، فيُخَلِّلُ بهَا أُصُولَ شَعَرِهِ، ثُمَّ يَصُبُّ علَى رَأْسِهِ ثَلَاثَ غُرَفٍ بيَدَيْهِ، ثُمَّ يُفِيضُ المَاءَ علَى جِلْدِهِ كُلِّهِ (Sahih Bukhari: 248)

“The Prophet (ﷺ) when performing Ghusl for Janabah (major ritual impurity), would start by washing his hands, then perform Wudu (ablution) as for prayer, then run his fingers through his hair to ensure water reached the roots, then pour water over his head three times, and finally pour water over his entire body.”

This is the method of Ghusl as practiced by the Prophet (ﷺ). Therefore, you should perform Ghusl in this manner. There is no need to search for obligatory acts separately. The method of Ghusl is clear, and it must be performed as the Prophet (ﷺ) did. It is important to note that during Ghusl for purification, the head must be washed, ensuring water reaches the roots of the hair; otherwise, the Ghusl will not be valid.

Sheikh Maqbool Ahmed Salafi

Jeddah Dawah Center – Al-Salamah – Kingdom of Saudi Arabia