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Guide to Ghusl

A Comprehensive Guide to Ghusl After Menstruation and Janabah (Major Impurity)

Introduction

Ghusl (ritual purification) is an essential practice in Islam, required after certain states of impurity, such as menstruation (hayd), postnatal bleeding (nifas), and sexual relations (janabah). It is a fundamental aspect of maintaining physical and spiritual cleanliness, as emphasized in the Quran and Hadith.

This article provides a step-by-step guide to performing Ghusl correctly, supported by Quranic verses and authentic Hadiths.

The Importance of Ghusl in Islam

Islam places great emphasis on cleanliness, both physical and spiritual. Ghusl is not only necessary for purification but also a prerequisite for acts of worship such as prayer (salah), touching the Quran, and performing Tawaf around the Kaaba.

Quranic Evidence for Ghusl

Allah commands believers to purify themselves after a state of impurity:

Surah Al-Ma’idah (5:6):
“O you who have believed, when you rise to [perform] prayer, wash your faces and your forearms to the elbows and wipe over your heads and wash your feet to the ankles. And if you are in a state of janabah, then purify yourselves...”

Surah Al-Baqarah (2:222):
“And they ask you about menstruation. Say, ‘It is harm, so keep away from wives during menstruation and do not approach them until they are pure. And when they have purified themselves, then come to them as Allah has ordained for you...’”

Hadith on the Importance of Ghusl

Aisha (RA) reported: “Whenever the Prophet (ﷺ) took a bath after janabah, he would begin by washing his hands, then he would pour water with his right hand on his left and wash his private parts. Then he would perform wudu as he does for prayer, then he would take water and rub it into his hair, ensuring it reached the roots, and then he would pour water over his whole body.” (Bukhari & Muslim)

When is Ghusl Required?

Ghusl becomes obligatory in the following situations:

After menstruation (Hayd) and postnatal bleeding (Nifas)

After sexual intercourse or ejaculation (Janabah)

After embracing Islam (for a non-Muslim accepting Islam, if required)

After death (for the deceased, before burial)

After certain conditions, such as wet dreams (Ihtilam)

Step-by-Step Guide to Ghusl (Easy Method)

Performing Ghusl correctly ensures complete purification. The following method is derived from the practices of Prophet Muhammad (ﷺ).

1. Intention (Niyyah)

The intention should be made in the heart.

Example: “I intend to purify myself from major impurity for the sake of Allah.”

2. Saying ‘Bismillah’

Begin by saying “Bismillah” (In the name of Allah).

3. Washing Hands (Three Times)

Wash both hands up to the wrists three times.

4. Washing Private Parts

Use the left hand to wash the private parts and any impurity present.

After this, wash the left hand thoroughly.