بِسْمِ اللَّهِ الرَّحْمَنِ الرَّحِيمِ

The Sunnah Method of Ghusl — In the Light of Hadith

“Umm al-Mu’minin ‘A’ishah رضي الله عنها narrates that when the Messenger of Allah ﷺ performed ghusl of janabah, he would:

1. First wash both hands.

2. Then pour water with the right hand over the left and wash the private parts.

3. Then perform wudu as for Salah.

4. After that, wet the roots of the hair with his fingers.

5. Pour three handfuls of water over the head and then let water flow over the entire body.

6. Finally, wash both feet once again.” (Sahih Bukhari, Sahih Muslim)

Situations in Which Ghusl Becomes Obligatory

1. Ghusl is obligatory after intercourse, nocturnal emission (ihtilam), menstruation (hayd), and postnatal bleeding (nifas). (Sahih Bukhari)

2. During ghusl of janabah, water must reach the roots of the hair. (Jami‘ Tirmizi)

3. A woman suffering from istihadah should count her habitual menstrual days and perform ghusl accordingly. (Sahih Bukhari)

4. One should be cautious and moderate in the use of water while performing ghusl. (Sahih Bukhari)

5. If water is not available for ghusl of janabah, tayammum performed with the intention of ghusl is sufficient. (Sahih Bukhari)

6. If a woman does not untie her braided hair during ghusl, there is no harm, as the primary purpose is that water reaches the roots of the hair. (Sahih Muslim)

Just as merely washing the face and hands is not sufficient for Salah—rather a prescribed Sunnah method of wudu must be followed, and “Salah is not accepted without wudu” (Sahih Muslim)—similarly, when ghusl becomes necessary on specific occasions, it also has a defined method as described above.

It is the responsibility of parents to teach children these matters according to their age. Likewise, every man and woman should learn the relevant rulings and Sunnah methods properly. Unfortunately, we often feel shy regarding matters in which there should be no hesitation, and where modesty is required, we fail to observe it.

Lastly, try to convey this knowledge to every Muslim. According to a hadith in Sahih Muslim, whoever acts upon a good teaching, its reward is also recorded for the one who conveyed it—without any reduction in the reward of the one who practices it. As this knowledge spreads further from person to person, it forms a growing chain, and the blessed way of life of the Noble Prophet ﷺ becomes widely revived.

Quranic Guidance

اللَّهُ يُرِيدُ لِيُبَيِّنَ لَكُمْ وَلِيَهْدِيَكُمْ سُنَنَ الَّذِينَ مِن قَبْلِكُمْ وَيَتُوبَ عَلَيْكُمْ ۗ وَاللَّهُ عَلِيمٌ حَكِيمٌ

“But Allah intends to purify you and complete His favor upon you that you may be grateful.”
(Surah Al-Ma’idah: 6 — Sahih International)