Rulings on Purification and Ghusl in Light of Authentic Teachings

This article is adapted from the book “Namaz-e-Mustafa ﷺ” authored by respected Abu Hamza Abdul Khaliq Siddiqi.

✦ Importance of Purification (Taharah)​

Purification is a precondition for Salah (prayer). Without it, the prayer is not valid. In Islam, purification is achieved through:

① Water
② Tayammum (dry ablution) when water is not available or its use is harmful.

✦ Rules and Conditions Regarding Water​

• Water is inherently pure and has the power to purify. Even if placed in environments where impure substances are found, it remains pure unless visibly altered.
• Sea water is also considered pure and purifying, and any dead creature found in it is lawful to consume.

✦ When Does Water Become Impure?​

① When a small quantity of water is mixed with impurities, it becomes impure.

② If a large quantity of water is contaminated and its color, smell, or taste changes, it becomes impure.

③ If a dog drinks from a container, the container must be emptied and washed multiple times.

✦ Etiquettes and Issues of Relieving Oneself​

① Go to a secluded place where one cannot be seen.
② Choose a soft surface to avoid urine splashing.
③ Do not face or turn your back to the Qiblah while relieving oneself.
④ Avoid relieving oneself on walkways or under shaded trees where people sit.
⑤ It is prohibited to speak while relieving oneself.

✦ Supplications Related to the Toilet​

• Before entering, say: "اللهم إني أعوذ بك من الخبث والخبائث"
• Upon exiting, say: "غفرانك"
  

✦ Rulings of Istinja (Cleaning After Relieving Oneself)​

① If water is available, cleaning with water is sufficient.
② In the absence of water, use three stones or clods of earth.
③ Avoid using less than three items, animal dung, bones, or the right hand for cleaning.
④ After cleaning, rubbing the hand on the ground is recommended (if no soap is available).

✦ Types of Purity Required for Prayer​

A Muslim must ensure:⟐ Clothing is pure
⟐ Body is pure
⟐ Place of prayer is pure

✦ Ghusl (Full-body Ritual Purification)​

Ghusl is required due to major impurities like:⟐ Janabah (sexual impurity)
⟐ Menstruation (Hayd)
⟐ Postnatal bleeding (Nifas)

✦ Ghusl Due to Janabah​

Ghusl becomes obligatory:⟐ After sexual intercourse, even if there is no ejaculation
⟐ After a wet dream, if there are visible traces

✦ Rulings on Madhy and Wady​

• Madhy: A thin fluid released during arousal
• Wady: A thick fluid released before or after urination

For both, washing the private parts and performing Wudu is sufficient. Ghusl is not required.

✦ Other Situations Requiring or Recommending Ghusl​

⟐ Upon accepting Islam
⟐ After giving Ghusl to a deceased person
⟐ Before Jumu'ah (Friday) prayer
⟐ On Eid days
⟐ Before wearing Ihram for Hajj or Umrah
⟐ Before entering Makkah

✦ Method of Ghusl​

1. Wash both hands
2. Wash the private parts
3. Perform Wudu
4. Pour water over the head three times
5. Pour water over the entire body
6. Move from the spot and wash the feet

✦ Ghusl for Women​

The method of Ghusl for women is the same as men. However, if it is a Ghusl from menstruation, it is recommended to undo the hair braids, though it is not obligatory in Janabah.

✦ Menstruation (Hayd) and Postnatal Bleeding (Nifas)​

⟐ Hayd is the monthly cycle of bleeding experienced by adult women.
⟐ Nifas is the bleeding following childbirth, lasting up to forty days.
⟐ Ghusl becomes obligatory after the bleeding stops.

✦ Prohibited Acts During Hayd and Nifas​

⟐ Praying
⟐ Fasting
⟐ Intercourse
⟐ Tawaf (circumambulation of the Ka'bah)

✦ Important Points About Hayd and Nifas​

⟐ A woman may do everything else except the prohibited acts.
⟐ Make up missed fasts, but not prayers.
⟐ Once the bleeding stops, all restrictions are lifted and obligations resume.

✦ Can a Menstruating Woman Recite the Qur'an?​

Most scholars permit her to recite the Qur'an without touching it, especially when there is a need for remembrance or fear of forgetting. The prohibition for the Junub (in a state of Janabah) does not apply the same way due to the longer duration of menstruation and postnatal bleeding.

✦ Istihadhah (Irregular Bleeding)​

⟐ This is bleeding outside the normal cycle, usually in a different color and texture.
⟐ The woman should consider herself pure, perform Wudu for each prayer after cleaning the blood, and continue her worship.

✦ Using the Miswak​

Miswak is highly recommended:⟐ Before every prayer
⟐ Upon waking up at night
⟐ To remove mouth odor and gain Allah’s pleasure