Topics: Purification

Do Women Need to Unbraid Their Hair for Ghusl? Islamic Guidance

Understanding Ghusl: Unbraiding Hair for Validity in Janabah

Do women have to unbraid their hair for Ghusl to be valid?

Some women braid their hair and when they do ghusl following janābah they do not undo their braids. Is their ġusl valid? Please note that the water does not reach all the roots of their hair. Please advise us, may Allah reward you with good.

Sheikh ’Abdul ʿAzīz ibn Bāz raḥimahullāh said:

“If a woman pours water over her head, that is sufficient, because Umm Salamah (may Allah be pleased with her) asked the Prophet (ﷺ) about that. She said: “I am a woman with braided hair; should I undo it when doing ġusl for al-janābah?” He said: “No, rather it is sufficient for you to pour three handfuls of water on your head, then pour water over yourself and you will be purified.” Narrated by al-Imām Muslim in his Ṣaḥīḥ.

So if a woman pours water on her head three times, that will be sufficient, and she does not need to undo the braids, because of this ṣaḥīḥ ḥadīth. ” [Majmūʿ al-Fatāwá, 10/182] 

NOTE: Ash-Shāfiʿī rahimahullah said: 

فَإِذَا كَانَتْ الْمَرْأَةُ ذَاتَ شَعْرٍ تَشُدُّ ضُفُرَهَا فَلَيْسَ عَلَيْهَا أَنْ تَنْقُضَهُ فِي غُسْلِ الْجَنَابَةِ. وَغُسْلُهَا مِنْ الْحَيْضِ كَغُسْلِهَا مِنْ الْجَنَابَةِ لَا يَخْتَلِفَانِ. 

“If a woman has thick hair and she braids it, it is not obligatory for her to undo them when performing ghusl for janābah. The ghusl for menstruation) is the same as the ġusl for al-janābah, and there is no difference in this regard.” [Al-Umm, 1/56]

Author: IslamicHelper

Tags: Purification
IslamicHelper

Recent Articles

A Woman’s Home: The Islamic Place of Dignity & Peace

Delve into the profound Islamic wisdom behind why a woman's home is her ultimate sanctuary. This article explores the Quranic… Read More

5 days ago

Chastity Before Marriage in Islam

Explore the divine imperative of chastity in Islam, rooted in Quran and Sunnah, safeguarding dignity, family, and society from zina's… Read More

5 days ago

Islam’s Guide to Animal Kindness & Eco Responsibility

Discover Islam’s profound teachings on kindness to animals and environmental responsibility, rooted in Quranic principles and Prophetic traditions, promoting compassion… Read More

5 days ago

Backbiting & Lying in Islam: Quranic Warnings

Explore the clear Islamic definitions and prohibitions of backbiting (Gheebah), tale-bearing (Nameemah), and lying. This detailed explanation from Allamah Zayd… Read More

5 days ago

Women’s Role in Society’s Foundation

Explore how women, as mothers and wives, form the cornerstone of family and society through nurturing, harmony, and value instillation,… Read More

2 weeks ago

Spouses as Garments: Quran 2:187 Meaning

Discover the metaphor of spouses as garments in Quran 2:187, exploring protection, comfort, intimacy, and mutual rights for a blessed… Read More

2 weeks ago