8Day 8 of 30

Ghusl, the full-body purification

How to do it, and when you need it.

4 min read3 sources

Muslims distinguish between two states: major impurity and minor impurity. Minor impurity is removed by wudu (tomorrow's lesson). Major impurity is removed by ghusl, a full-body ritual wash.

You need ghusl after sexual intimacy, after menstruation or postnatal bleeding, and (most scholars say) when you enter Islam. Becoming Muslim is one of the moments a ghusl is recommended, because it marks the start. Some scholars require it, others strongly recommend it. Either way, doing one today is a good idea.

How to do it

At its simplest, ghusl is this: intend in your heart that this is a ritual purification, then let water reach every part of your body, including washing out your mouth and nose. A shower where you deliberately rinse your whole body, including rinsing your mouth and nose, covers it.

The fuller version, following the Prophet's ﷺ method (Sahih al-Bukhari 248), goes like this:

Make intention in your heart. You do not say it out loud. You simply mean, this is my ghusl to purify myself for the sake of Allah.
Say bismillah (in the name of Allah).
Wash your hands three times.
Wash your private parts with your left hand, removing any impurity.
Make a full wudu, same as for prayer (tomorrow covers this in detail).
Pour water over your head three times, making sure it reaches the scalp.
Pour water over your right side of the body, then the left. Rub with your hands so every part is wet.
Move your feet aside to a clean spot and wash them if they were not yet washed.

After ghusl you are in a fully pure state, ready for anything including prayer, touching a Quran, or entering a mosque.

A few practical notes

Ghusl in a shower is fine. You do not need a tub. You just need water to reach everywhere.
Long hair does not have to be undone for ghusl in most cases. Water reaching the scalp is enough.
For women after menstruation, a full ghusl is required before resuming salah.
If you are uncertain whether you need ghusl or just wudu, and you cannot ask, do the ghusl. It covers both.

The feeling after a proper ghusl is difficult to describe in writing. Reverts almost always comment on it. A kind of quiet. A sense that something has actually happened.

Today's task

If you have not already, take a ghusl today. Intend it as your ritual purification upon entering Islam. Say bismillah before you turn on the water.

Sources

[1]
Sahih al-Bukhari 248. Description of the Prophet's ghusl.
[2]
Quran 5:6. If you are in a state of janabah, purify yourselves.
[3]
IslamQA.info. English fatwa site covering detailed rulings, mainstream Salafi-leaning but careful.

How to do it

The fuller version, following the Prophet's ﷺ method (Sahih al-Bukhari 248), goes like this:

Make intention in your heart. You do not say it out loud. You simply mean, this is my ghusl to purify myself for the sake of Allah.

Say bismillah (in the name of Allah).

Wash your hands three times.

Wash your private parts with your left hand, removing any impurity.

Make a full wudu, same as for prayer (tomorrow covers this in detail).

Pour water over your head three times, making sure it reaches the scalp.

Pour water over your right side of the body, then the left. Rub with your hands so every part is wet.

Move your feet aside to a clean spot and wash them if they were not yet washed.

After ghusl you are in a fully pure state, ready for anything including prayer, touching a Quran, or entering a mosque.

A few practical notes

Ghusl in a shower is fine. You do not need a tub. You just need water to reach everywhere.

Long hair does not have to be undone for ghusl in most cases. Water reaching the scalp is enough.

For women after menstruation, a full ghusl is required before resuming salah.

If you are uncertain whether you need ghusl or just wudu, and you cannot ask, do the ghusl. It covers both.

The feeling after a proper ghusl is difficult to describe in writing. Reverts almost always comment on it. A kind of quiet. A sense that something has actually happened.