Written by: Sheikh Mubashir Ahmad Rabbani (may Allah protect him)
Question:
If soap or similar cleansing agents are not available during the ghusl (ritual bath) for janabah (major impurity), can one become pure by using only water, or is soap necessary?
Answer:
Pure and clean water has been endowed by Allah with the ability to purify. Allah Almighty says:
"And He sends down upon you from the sky, rain by which to purify you."
[Surah Al-Anfal: 8:11]
From this verse, it is clear that Allah has placed the ability to purify within water itself. Therefore, water alone is sufficient to remove the impurity of janabah. Soap, shampoo, and other cleansing agents are beneficial for cleanliness and hygiene, but they are not required for purification.
The Prophet (peace and blessings be upon him) and his companions (may Allah be pleased with them) used water alone for ghusl, and both the Qur'an and the Sunnah, as well as the consensus of the Ummah, indicate that water itself is inherently pure and possesses the power to purify. Thus, using water alone for the ritual bath is sufficient to achieve the necessary level of purification.
Question:
If soap or similar cleansing agents are not available during the ghusl (ritual bath) for janabah (major impurity), can one become pure by using only water, or is soap necessary?
Answer:
Pure and clean water has been endowed by Allah with the ability to purify. Allah Almighty says:
"And He sends down upon you from the sky, rain by which to purify you."
[Surah Al-Anfal: 8:11]
From this verse, it is clear that Allah has placed the ability to purify within water itself. Therefore, water alone is sufficient to remove the impurity of janabah. Soap, shampoo, and other cleansing agents are beneficial for cleanliness and hygiene, but they are not required for purification.
The Prophet (peace and blessings be upon him) and his companions (may Allah be pleased with them) used water alone for ghusl, and both the Qur'an and the Sunnah, as well as the consensus of the Ummah, indicate that water itself is inherently pure and possesses the power to purify. Thus, using water alone for the ritual bath is sufficient to achieve the necessary level of purification.
