How to Perform Ghusl (Islamic Ritual Bath) Properly

Ghusl (غسل) is the purification bath in Islam and may also be required after certain conditions like major impurity (Janabah), menstruation, or postnatal bleeding. It is essential before performing Salah (prayer), fasting, or touching the Quran.

When is Ghusl Required? (Obligatory Ghusl)

1️⃣ After marital relations (Janabah)
2️⃣ After menstruation (Hayd) and postnatal bleeding (Nifas)
3️⃣ After ejaculation (wet dream or sexual discharge)
4️⃣ Upon conversion to Islam (according to some scholars)
5️⃣ After washing a deceased body (required for the one who performs the washing)
6️⃣ Before Jumu'ah (Friday prayer) and Eid prayers (recommended but not obligatory)

Steps to Perform Ghusl (According to Sunnah)

1. Make the Intention (Niyyah) in Your Heart

🛑 Intention is necessary for acts of worship, but it does not need to be spoken.
Example: "I intend to purify myself for the sake of Allah."

2. Say ‘Bismillah’ and Wash Your Hands

🖐️ Wash both hands three times, ensuring they are completely clean.

3. Wash Private Parts Thoroughly

🛁 Clean the private areas properly to remove all impurities. Use the left hand for this and then wash your hands afterward.

4. Perform Wudu (Ablution) as for Salah

🚰 Follow the normal wudu steps:
✔️ Rinse the mouth three times
✔️ Rinse the nose three times
✔️ Wash the face and hands up to the elbows
✔️ Wipe over the head and ears
✔️ Delay washing the feet until the end of Ghusl (optional)

5. Pour Water Over the Head Three Times

💦 Ensure the water reaches the scalp, roots of hair, and skin. Women should not be required to undo their braids unless water does not reach the scalp.

6. Pour Water Over the Entire Body

🌊 Wash the right side first, then the left side, ensuring no area is left dry.

🔹 Ensure water reaches the following areas:
✅ Underarms
✅ Behind the ears
✅ Between fingers and toes
✅ Navel (belly button)
✅ All hair (for men with beards, run fingers through it)

7. Wash the Feet (If Not Washed Earlier)

🦶 Finish by washing your feet if they were not washed during Wudu.

Key Sunnah Tips for Ghusl

✅ Face Qiblah if possible
✅ Use minimal water (avoid wasting water)
✅ Make du'a after Ghusl, like the du'a after Wudu
✅ Avoid speaking unnecessarily during Ghusl
✅ Ensure complete purity before Salah

Things That Do NOT Break Ghusl

❌ Touching impure things after completing Ghusl
❌ Sleeping after Ghusl
❌ Sweating after Ghusl
❌ Forgetting to make du’a

Summary of Ghusl Process

1️⃣ Intention (Niyyah)
2️⃣ Say Bismillah, wash hands & private parts
3️⃣ Perform Wudu (except feet, if preferred)
4️⃣ Pour water over the head 3 times
5️⃣ Wash the entire body, ensuring water reaches everywhere
6️⃣ Wash the feet (if not washed earlier)

Once done, you are completely purified and can perform Salah, read Quran, or engage in worship.