Ghusl in the Quran
Allah says: “And if you are in a state of janabah, then purify yourselves” (Quran 5:6), and do not approach prayer in that state “until you have washed” (Quran 4:43). After menstruation, the Quran also refers to women purifying themselves (Quran 2:222).
When is ghusl required?
- After janabah: marital relations or the release of sexual fluid (Quran 5:6).
- When menstruation ends, and when post-natal bleeding ends (Quran 2:222).
- Before Jumu’ah it is strongly emphasised: “Anyone of you attending the Friday prayer should take a bath” (Sahih al-Bukhari 877). Scholars differ on whether it is obligatory or highly recommended.
How to perform ghusl, step by step
This is the ghusl of the Prophet ﷺ as described by Aisha (Sahih al-Bukhari 248) and Maymunah (Sahih al-Bukhari 249).
- Intention. Intend in your heart that you are making ghusl to purify yourself, and say Bismillah.
- Wash your hands.
- Wash your private parts and remove any impurity from the body (Bukhari 249).
- Make wudu as for prayer. See our wudu guide. Maymunah reports he ﷺ sometimes left washing his feet until the end (Bukhari 249).
- Wet the roots of your hair: put your fingers in water and run them through the roots of the hair (Bukhari 248).
- Pour water over your head three times (Bukhari 248).
- Wash the rest of your body, starting with the right side, making sure water reaches every part, including the armpits, navel, behind the ears and between the toes.
- Wash your feet, if you left them until the end.
What is the minimum for a valid ghusl?
Scholars agree that the intention and water reaching the whole body are essential. Some schools also require rinsing the mouth and nose. The other steps above are the Sunnah way. If you are short of time, a shower that reaches your whole body with the intention of ghusl is valid according to the majority; follow your school or a scholar you trust for details.
Women do not need to undo braided hair for ghusl after janabah: Umm Salamah asked, and the Prophet ﷺ said it was enough to pour three handfuls of water over the head and then over the body (Sahih Muslim 330). For your own situation, please ask a qualified scholar.
After ghusl
Because ghusl includes wudu, you can pray straight after it unless something breaks your wudu. Then you’re ready for Salah or the Friday prayer.