The full bath after which salah is allowed again, as the Prophet made it.
Step by step
-
1
Make the intention in your heart and begin with "Bismillah".
-
2
Wash both hands.
-
3
Wash the private parts with the left hand, then wash that hand well.
-
4
Make wudu as for salah.
-
5
Run wet fingers through the roots of the hair, then pour water over the head three times.
-
6
Pour water over the whole body, beginning with the right side, so that no part stays dry.
-
7
If you have not washed your feet yet, wash them at the end.
Ghusl is washing the whole body. Allah says: "If you are in a state of janabah, purify yourselves" (al-Ma'idah 5:6). Without it, salah is not valid for one who needs it.
When ghusl is due
- After marital relations, or any discharge of semen, even in sleep (Bukhari 291, Muslim 343).
- When menstruation ends (al-Baqarah 2:222; Bukhari 320), and when postnatal bleeding ends.
On Friday, ghusl is a strong Sunnah before Jumu'ah (Bukhari 877).
What is required Water must reach the whole body, with no part left dry. The intention is in the heart: "Actions are only by intentions." (Bukhari 1)
Ghusl as the Prophet made it Aisha and Maymunah described how the Prophet (peace be upon him) bathed (Bukhari 248, Bukhari 249, Muslim 316, Muslim 317):
- Make the intention in your heart and begin with "Bismillah".
- Wash both hands.
- Wash the private parts with the left hand, then wash that hand well.
- Make wudu as for salah.
- Run wet fingers through the roots of the hair, then pour water over the head three times.
- Pour water over the whole body, beginning with the right side, so that no part stays dry (Bukhari 168).
- If you have not washed your feet yet, wash them at the end.
A woman need not undo her braids for the ghusl after relations, as long as the water reaches the roots of the hair (Muslim 330).
Scholars differ on some details, such as rinsing the mouth and nose in ghusl.
If you are unsure about your own situation, ask a trusted local alim.
Source
- Surah Al-Ma'idah, ayah 6
- Surah Al-Baqarah, ayah 222
- Sahih al-Bukhari 291
- Sahih Muslim 343
- Sahih al-Bukhari 320
- Sahih al-Bukhari 877
- Sahih al-Bukhari 1
- Sahih al-Bukhari 248
- Sahih al-Bukhari 249
- Sahih Muslim 316
- Sahih Muslim 317
- Sahih al-Bukhari 168
- Sahih Muslim 330
- How to make wudu