Ghusl (Ritual Bath)

The Chapter of Purification

Ghusl (Ritual Bath)

First: What Is Ghusl?

Linguistic Meaning

Ghusl means pouring water over something and cleaning it.

Islamic Definition

Ghusl is washing the entire body with water with the intention of removing major ritual impurity.

In other words, it is ensuring that water reaches all parts of the body with the intention of purification.

Second: The Ruling of Ghusl

Ghusl is obligatory in certain situations.

Acts of worship that require purity are not valid without ghusl when its cause exists.

Third: Causes That Require Ghusl

Ghusl becomes obligatory in the following cases:

Janabah (Major Ritual Impurity)

This occurs due to:

Sexual intercourse

Discharge of semen with desire, whether awake or asleep

Menstruation

After the bleeding stops.

Postnatal Bleeding (Nifas)

After the bleeding following childbirth ends.

Embracing Islam

According to many scholars.

Fourth: Obligatory Acts of Ghusl (Its Pillars)

Ghusl is not valid without:

Intention

The intention to remove major ritual impurity.

Washing the Entire Body

Including:

Hair

Scalp

All parts of the body, including skin folds

Fifth: Sunnah Acts of Ghusl

It is recommended during ghusl to:

Say Bismillah

Wash the hands

Wash the private parts

Perform wudu before ghusl

Begin with the right side

Rub the body

Maintain continuity

Sixth: The Complete Method of Ghusl

The complete ghusl as reported from the Prophet ﷺ:

Make the intention

Say Bismillah

Wash the hands

Wash the private parts

Perform wudu

Pour water over the head three times

Wash the entire body

Seventh: What Does Ghusl Remove?

Ghusl removes:

Major ritual impurity

And it suffices in place of wudu if one intends to remove major impurity

Eighth: The Difference Between Obligatory and Recommended Ghusl

Obligatory Ghusl:

Janabah

Menstruation

Postnatal bleeding

Recommended Ghusl:

Friday prayer

Eid prayers

Entering Ihram

Entering Makkah

Summary of Ghusl

Ghusl is major purification

It is obligatory for specific reasons

It has pillars and Sunnah acts

Worship is not valid without it when required

It removes major impurity and replaces wudu

Madrasat Al-Quran

We teach worship as it was revealed

With understanding, adherence, and a sound methodology