Ghusl (Total Bath)

Ghusl in Islam means the bathing of the entire body with water. 

Proof of its legitimacy is embodied in the Holy Qur'an as follows:

"... and if ye are in a state of ceremonial impurity, bathe your whole body..." (Qur'an 5:6) 

Occasions When Ghusul Is Required As An Obligatory Act 

Ghusl is required as an obligatory act in the following cases: 

1. After the discharge of semen as a result of stimulation whether awake or asleep ( i.e.in a wet dream) This state is known as Arabic as "Junub" If, after the dream no wetness is traced in one's clothing, bathing is not a obligatory. However, in case wetness is found but without recalling any dream, performing ghusl is obligatory. 

2. After sexual intercourse (or the mere coming together of the two organs of a man and a woman, even though there may be no actual ejaculation) performing ghusl is required. 

3. Following a period of menstruation, a woman is required to perform ghusl. 

4. At the end of 40 days after childbirth, a woman is required to perform ghusl.

5. When a disbeliever newly embraces Islam, such a person is required to perform Ghusl.

6. When a Muslim dies Ghusl is required for him/ her.

Occasions For Which Ghusl Is Preferred

Ghusl is recommended in the following cases:

1. Before going to juma'h ( Friday Congregational prayer)

2. Before going to Eid prayers( Muslim annual feast prayers )

3. Before undertaking Umrah or Hajj ( Pilgrimage to Makkah)

4. Upon washing a corpse. (According to many scholars, the performance of Ghusl  is preferred for a person who washes a corpse)

Essential Requirements Of Ghusl 

There are two essential requirements which needs to be fulfilled for Ghusl to be valid. They are as follows: 

1. Intention to perform ghusl is necessary because it is the dividing line between acts performed as a mere custom and deeds which are renewable acts of worship. However, the intention is only by heart and need not be uttered. 

2. The entire body should be washed. Water should reach and flow freely over every part of the body.

How Ghusl Is Performed 

Besides the above two essential requirements, there are also other voluntary actions recommended for Ghusl. 

Both the essential and the voluntary acts are now integrated herebelow to demonstrate how the Prophet Salallahu ‘alayhi wa sallam used to perform the Ghusl.

a. Intend by heart to perform Ghusl. b.Wash both hands up to the wrists for three times.

c. Wash the sex organs properly. 

d. Perform Wudhu as usual ( in the manner already discussed ) except, that the washing of the feet would be delayed until later when all the rest of the body is bathed.

e. Pour water over the head three times, massaging the hair to allow water to reach its roots.

 f. Pour water liberally over the entire body, beginning with the right side and then, the left side ensuring that no part of the body is untouched by water such as the armpits, inside the ear lobes, inside the navel, between the fingers and toes, etc

g. Finally, move a little further from where you were and wash  your feet, beginning with your right foot and then, the left.

Notes:

1. A woman will perform Ghusl just as a man does, except, that she has plaited hair, she need not undo it. She only needs to throw three handfuls of water over her head.

2. The persons may after completing the Ghusl recite the supplication for concluding Ghusl which should be recited outside the toilet / bathroom and which is the same as the one recited after completing Wudhu.

Acts  Forbidden To Persons Who Are Required To Perform Ghusl

Persons who are required to perform Ghusl are forbidden to undertake certain acts. These are as follows:

1. Any type of prayer whether obligatory a voluntary.

2. Circumumbulating the Ka'abah ( Tawaf ).

3. Touching or carrying the Holy Qur'an. However, the prohibition does not apply to other books which contain Qur'anic passages such as commentaries of the Holy Qur'an or work of Islamic jurisprudence. 

4. Reciting the Holy Qur,'an.

5. Staying inside the mosque.