Ghusl

When is ghusl is required?

1. After a physical relationship between spouses, even if there is no discharge. Both the husband and wife are required to perform the ghusl.
2. When someone reverts to Islam. Some scholars said it’s required and some said it’s recommendable. If the one reverting to Islam was in a state of ritual impurity due to having a physical relationship shortly before accepting Islam, then it is best to take a ghusl.
3. After the menstrual cycle. When a woman finishes her menstrual cycle, she must perform the ghusl. She cannot engage in a physical relation until she is purified with performing ghusl.
4. Post-natal: if a woman bleeds for less than forty days then she performs ghusl when the bleeding stops.
5. Death
6. Discharge from pleasure: this is applicable for both men and women. This type of discharge can happen while:
   1. Awake: the condition for ghusl is when it comes out of pleasure. Sometimes it comes out due to sickness, and not pleasure. In this case, ghusl is not required
   2. Asleep: discharge can come out while dreaming– ‘wet dream’. If there is discharge, then ghusl is required, this can even happen to a woman.

How to perform ghusl

1. To have the intention in the heart to remove the ritual impurity. This intention should not be spoken aloud.

2. Say ‘bism Allah’ (بسم الله) – in the name of Allah

3. Wash hands three times

4. Wash the private parts with the left hand, then clean your hands with sand, water or soap etc.

5. Make wudu

6. Pour water over the head. The water should reach the scalp. In the case of menstruation, if a woman has long hair which is braided, she must undo it and wash her hair completely; in the case of purification from a physical relationship, she can pour water over her head.

7. Then wash the right side of the body three times and then the left side three times