✦ Written by: ʿImrān Ayyūb Lāhorī
❖ Opening a Woman’s Hair for Ghusl
When giving ghusl (ritual washing) to a deceased woman, her hair must be unbraided and thoroughly washed, as established by authentic Sunnah.
❖ Ḥadīth of Umm ʿAṭiyyah رضي الله عنها:
She narrated regarding the washing of the Prophet’s ﷺ daughter:
«نقضنه ثم غسلنه ثم جعلنه ثلاثة قرون»
“We unbraided her hair, then washed it, and then made it into three braids (plaits).”
[Ṣaḥīḥ al-Bukhārī 1260]
✔ Scholarly View:
- Shaykh al-Albānī رحمه الله stated:
A woman’s hair should be unbraided and washed thoroughly.
[Aḥkām al-Janāʾiz, p. 65]
✔ Key Rulings:
① It is Sunnah to unbraid the hair of a deceased woman before ghusl.
② The hair should be washed completely, ensuring cleanliness and purity.
③ After washing, the hair should be divided and braided into three parts.
④ This method was practiced by the Companions under the instruction of the Prophet ﷺ.
✔ Summary:
✅ During ghusl of a woman:
- Her hair must be unbraided
- It should be washed properly
- Then it should be divided into three braids
This method preserves cleanliness, honor, and follows the authentic Prophetic tradition.
