A Description of a complete Islamic bath after Intercourse, after menses or lochia.
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The Intention (Niyyah). One must intend in his heart that he is performing ghusl to remove himself from the major state of impurity – whether janâbah, menstruation or postpartum bleeding – without uttering such intention vocally.
Mentioning the Name of Allah. One should say, ‘Bismillah’ (i.e. With the Name of Allâh),
He should wash his hands, and then wash his private parts to remove the filth.
Next, he should perform a complete wudoo´ as he would for the Prayer. He may delay washing his feet until the end of his ghusl.
He should pour [at least] three handfuls of water on his head, running his fingers through his hair and beard so that water reaches the roots of his hair and scalp.
Then he should pour water over the rest of his body, rubbing it, beginning with the right side and then the left. He should take care that water reaches his armpits, ears, navel, and in between the folds of the skin if he is fat, for these folds of flesh which form in the obese prevent water from reaching the areas of skin concealed within the folds and may remain dry. He should then wash his feet if he had not already done so while making wudoo´ [before performing the ghusl]. ‘Aa`ishah (RA) reported:
“When Allâh’s Messenger (SAW) would perform ghusl due to sexual intercourse, he would first wash his hands, then pour water with his right hand into his left, washing his private parts. After that he would perform wudoo´ as he would for the Prayer, and then take water and rub it in to the roots of his hair with his fingers. [Lastly] he would wash his feet.” (Muslim)
Maymoonah (RA) said,
“I placed water for the Prophet (SAW) to perform ghusl. He poured them on his hands and washed them twice or thrice, and then poured water with his right hand into his left and washed his private parts. Afterwards, he wiped his hands on the earth and then rinsed his mouth and nose. He washed his face, his two hands, and then washed his head thrice. Afterwards, he poured water over his body. Then he shifted from that place and washed his feet. (al-Bukhâri)
People in the past and present use earth as a soaping agent, in that it makes it easier to remove unwanted substances from ones hands.
MINIMUM REQUIRED ACTS FOR A VALID GHUSL
The Intention (Niyyah). One must intend in his heart that he is performing ghusl to remove himself from the major state of impurity – whether janâbah, menstruation or postpartum bleeding – without uttering such intention vocally.
He should clean the offensive material with water.
He should pour three handfuls of water over his head.
He must either pour water over the rest of his body, or submerge himself in it. He should take care that the water reaches his armpits, ears, navel, and between the folds of skin if he is fat.
Umm Salamah (RA) said:
“O Messenger of Allâh, I have many braids on my head, should I untie them when performing ghusl from janâbah?” He replied, “No, it is enough for you to pour three handfuls of water on your head, and then pour water over yourself, and then you will be considered pure.” (Muslim)
CASES IN WHICH GHUSL IS RECOMMENDED
If a disbeliever enters the fold of Islâm, it is recommended that he perform ghusl. Abu Hurairah (RA) narrated:
“When Thumâmah al-Hanafi accepted Islâm, the Messenger of Allâh sent him to the walled garden of Abu Talhah and ordered him to perform ghusl, so he performed ghusl and prayed a two rak‘ah prayer. The Messenger of Allâh (SAW) then said, ‘Your brother’s Islâm is sincere.’ ” (Saheeh ibn Khuzaimah)
The Friday Prayer (Jumu‘ah): The Messenger of Allâh (SAW) said:
“It is obligatory upon every Muslim that he perform ghusl, clean his teeth, and perfume himself on Friday if he has some.” (Ahmad)
The Messenger of Allah (SAW) said:
“Whoever performs ghusl and then proceeds to the Jumu‘ah prayer and prays what was written for him, keeps silent and listens to the Imâm until he finishes his sermon and then prays with him, the sins he committed between that Friday and the next will be forgiven, as well as three additional days.” (Muslim)
The Prayer of the two Eids (Fitr and Adhâ´), and the Day of ‘Arafaat. This is due to the hadeeth narrated by Al-Fakih ibn Sa’d:
“The Prophet (SAW) would perform ghusl on Friday, the day of Fitr, and the day of Sacrifice.” (Ahmad)
Entering the state of Ihrâm for Hajj or ‘Umrah.
Khaarijah ibn Zaid reported from his father:
“The Prophet (SAW) took off his clothes and took a bath for Ihrâm.” (Saheeh ibn Khuzaimah)
I am hopeful that this will be helpful and if anything is found to be unfamiliar please call on my attention.
May Allah guide us to the straight path, and bless us with easy understanding of our religion and modern education throughout our live circle.
Blessing and mercy of Allah be upon the writer and the receiver (amin)
Please remember me in your prayer and remember that there is no reward for goodness except goodness.