The Procedure of Obligatory Bathing (Al-Ghusl)

This article explains the procedure of obligatory bathing (al-ghusl) as one way to purify from major impurity, based on hadiths about how the Prophet Muhammad bathed.

Obligatory bathing begins with sincere intention for Allah, then rinsing both hands.
Next, cleanse the genitals with the left hand then rub the hand on soil or soap, then perform ablution as for prayer.
Water is poured over the head while separating the hair roots, spreading water over the entire body starting from the right side then the left, and for women with tied hair, it is sufficient to rinse it without needing to untie it.
It ends by rinsing both feet three times, giving priority to the right foot, and it is recommended not to use excessive water, in accordance with the Prophet's practice of bathing with about three liters of water.

Obligatory bathing in Islam is one of three ways to purify from major impurity, namely by bathing, ablution, and lastly by dry purification. The procedure of obligatory bathing is as follows:

1. Sincere intention for Allah the Almighty

'From Umar ibn Al-Khattab (may Allah be pleased with him), while he was on the pulpit, he said: I have heard the Messenger of Allah say: Verily, all actions are by intention. Reported by Al-Bukhari (The Beginning of Revelation: 1) and Muslim (Regarding Deeds: 353)

2. Rinsing both hands

'From 'Aishah (may Allah be pleased with her), when the Prophet (peace and blessings be upon him) bathed due to ritual impurity, he began by rinsing both his hands, then poured water with his right hand upon his left, then washed his genitals, then performed ablution as he would for prayer; then he took water and inserted his fingers into the roots of his hair so that when he felt it had been evenly moistened, he poured water over his head three times, then evened out his entire body; then rinsed both his feet. Reported by Al-Bukhari (Al-Ghusl: 264) and Muslim (Menstruation: 474)

3. Cleanse the genitals with the left hand, and rub the hand on soil or the like (such as soap)

'Then he poured water on his genitals and washed it with his left hand, then rubbed his hand on soil. Reported by Al-Bukhari (Al-Ghusl: 258) and Muslim (Menstruation: 476)

4. Perform ablution as for prayer

'From 'Aishah (may Allah be pleased with her), when the Prophet (peace and blessings be upon him) bathed due to ritual impurity, he began by rinsing both his hands, then poured water with his right hand upon his left, then washed his genitals, then performed ablution as he would for prayer; then he took water and inserted his fingers into the roots of his hair so that when he felt it had been evenly moistened, he poured water over his head three times, then evened out his entire body; then rinsed both his feet. Reported by Al-Bukhari (Al-Ghusl: 250) and Muslim (Menstruation: 478)

5. Then pour water over the head with fragrance, inserting fingers into the roots of the hair, rubbing it, spreading the entire body starting from the right side then the left side with rubbing, and pouring water until it is even three times

'From 'Aishah: When the Prophet (peace and blessings be upon him) bathed due to ritual impurity, he would ask for a vessel (like a bucket), then take water with his palm and begin from the right side of his head, then the left side, then take water with both palms, and he would rinse his head with both of them.'

'From 'Aishah: Asma' asked the Prophet (peace and blessings be upon him) about the bathing of a menstruating woman, so he said: Take a piece of water and leaves of the lote tree, then bathe well, pour it over your head and rub it well, until you reach the roots of your hair, then pour water again from above, then take a piece of cotton (cloth scented with musk), and wipe it with this cloth. Reported by Muslim (Menstruation: 500)

6. Untying the hair or just rinsing it

The Prophet (peace and blessings be upon him) said to her while she was menstruating: Untie your hair and bathe. Reported by Ibn Majah (Purification and Its Etiquettes: 633)

7. Rinsing both feet each three times, giving priority to the right foot

'From 'Aishah (may Allah be pleased with her), when the Prophet (peace and blessings be upon him) bathed due to ritual impurity, he began by rinsing both his hands, then poured water with his right hand upon his left, then washed his genitals, then performed ablution as he would for prayer; then he took water and inserted his fingers into the roots of his hair so that when he felt it had been evenly moistened, he poured water over his head three times, then evened out his entire body; then rinsed both his feet. Reported by Al-Bukhari (Al-Ghusl: 264) and Muslim (Menstruation: 474)

'From 'Aishah, she said: The Messenger of Allah (peace and blessings be upon him) liked to prioritize his right (side), in wearing his sandals, combing his hair, purifying himself and in all his affairs. Reported by Al-Bukhari (Prayer: 408), and Muslim (Purification: 396)

8. Do not use excessive water

The Prophet (peace and blessings be upon him) bathed with about one sa' (approximately 3 liters) to five mud and performed ablution with one mud (approximately 3/4 liters). Reported by Al-Bukhari (Ablution: 194) and Muslim,

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