Ghusl (Ritual Bath) Tutorial
Learn the proper method of performing ghusl, the complete ritual purification in Islam
Ghusl is the Islamic procedure for full-body ritual purification. It is required after specific events such as sexual intercourse, ejaculation, completion of menstruation, giving birth, and before certain religious practices.
O you who have believed, do not approach prayer while you are intoxicated until you know what you are saying or in a state of janabah, except those passing through [a place of prayer], until you have washed [your whole body].
When is Ghusl Required?
Occasions When Ghusl is Obligatory
- After sexual intercourse or intimate contact that results in the emission of sexual fluids
- After a wet dream (nocturnal emission)
- After menstruation ends
- After postpartum bleeding stops
- When a non-Muslim converts to Islam
- For a deceased Muslim before burial (performed by others)
Recommended Times for Ghusl
- Before Friday prayer (Jumu'ah)
- Before Eid prayers
- Before entering the state of Ihram for Hajj or Umrah
- After washing a deceased person
Step-by-Step Ghusl Guide
Video Demonstration
This video demonstrates the proper method of performing ghusl (ritual bath)
Before You Begin
Before starting ghusl, ensure you have:
- Privacy in a suitable place for bathing
- Clean water available in sufficient quantity
- The intention (niyyah) to perform ghusl for purification
1Intention and Bismillah
Make the intention in your heart to perform ghusl for purification. Then say "Bismillah" (In the name of Allah).
2Washing Hands and Private Parts
Wash your hands thoroughly three times. Then wash your private parts and remove any impurities from your body.
3Perform Wudhu
Perform a complete wudhu (ablution) as you would for prayer, except you may delay washing the feet until the end of ghusl if desired.
4Washing Head and Hair
Pour water over your head three times, ensuring that water reaches the roots of your hair. Rub your scalp to ensure water reaches everywhere.
5Washing Right Side of Body
Pour water over your right shoulder and wash the entire right side of your body three times, ensuring water reaches all parts including under the arms and between folds of skin.
6Washing Left Side of Body
Pour water over your left shoulder and wash the entire left side of your body three times, ensuring water reaches all parts including under the arms and between folds of skin.
7Washing Entire Body
Finally, pour water over your entire body, ensuring that no part remains dry. Pay special attention to areas that are easily missed like behind the ears, under the arms, and between the toes.
Important Notes About Ghusl
- Ensure that water reaches every part of the body, including hard-to-reach areas.
- If you have long hair, you must ensure water reaches the roots, but you don't need to undo braids if water can reach the roots.
- Remove anything that might prevent water from reaching the skin, such as nail polish, waterproof makeup, or rings that are tight.
- The entire ghusl process should be continuous without long interruptions.
- It is permissible to perform ghusl in a shower or bath as long as all parts of the body are washed properly.
Differences Between Ghusl and Wudhu
| Aspect | Ghusl | Wudhu |
|---|---|---|
| Coverage | Entire body | Specific parts (face, arms, head, feet) |
| When Required | After major impurities (janabah, menstruation, etc.) | Before prayers, after minor impurities |
| Frequency | Less frequent, only when necessary | More frequent, typically before each prayer |
| Duration | Generally takes longer | Quicker process |
Pro Tip!
To conserve water while still performing a valid ghusl, you can use a bucket and cup method rather than a running shower. This is both environmentally friendly and follows the Sunnah of the Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him).
EDUCATIONAL RESOURCES
Importance of Prayer
Spiritual significance in Islam
Prayer Preparation Guide
Getting ready for prayer
Wudhu (Ablution) Tutorial
Ritual purification steps
Ghusl (Ritual Bath) Tutorial
Complete purification guide
Qiblah Direction Finder
Find the direction to Mecca
Prayer Timings
Daily prayer schedule
Athan (Call to Prayer)
Understanding the call to prayer
Iqamah Instructions
Standing call before prayer
Common Prayer Mistakes
Avoiding errors in prayer
TODAY'S PRAYER TIMES
Muscat, Oman
14 Apr 2025IBADI PRAYER NOTES
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Hand Position
Hands kept straight down at sides, not folded
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Takbir
No raising of hands during takbir
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Recitation
Bismillah recited aloud before Surah Al-Fatiha