Fatwa by: Dar al-Ifta Committee
Question:
Is there any difference between the Ghusl of Janabah for men and women? Is it necessary for a woman to untie her hair while performing Ghusl? Or, according to the Hadith of the Prophet (peace be upon him), is pouring water three times over the head sufficient? Also, is there any difference between Ghusl of Janabah and Ghusl after menstruation?
Answer:
There is no difference between the Ghusl of Janabah for men and women. Neither is required to untie their hair for Ghusl. Instead, pouring water three times over the hair and washing the rest of the body is sufficient. The evidence for this is that Lady Umm Salamah (may Allah be pleased with her) asked the Prophet (peace be upon him):
"I am a woman with tightly braided hair. Should I undo it for Ghusl of menstruation and Janabah?" He replied, "No, it is sufficient for you to pour water three times over your head and then pour water over your whole body to purify yourself."
(Sahih Muslim)
If henna or any other substance that prevents water from reaching the body is present on a man or woman, it must be removed. Regarding a woman’s Ghusl of Janabah, it is debated whether she should untie her hair. The correct opinion is that it is not necessary for her to untie her hair, as some narrations indicate that Lady Umm Salamah (may Allah be pleased with her) asked the Prophet (peace be upon him):
"I am a woman with tightly braided hair. Should I undo it for Ghusl of menstruation and Janabah?" He replied, "No, it is sufficient for you to pour water three times over your head and then pour water over your whole body to purify yourself."
(Sahih Muslim)
This narration is explicit that it is not obligatory for a woman to untie her hair when performing Ghusl of Janabah or after menstruation. However, it is preferable for a woman to untie her hair for Ghusl after menstruation. This approach harmonizes various evidences, helps avoid disagreement, and adheres to caution.
Question:
Is there any difference between the Ghusl of Janabah for men and women? Is it necessary for a woman to untie her hair while performing Ghusl? Or, according to the Hadith of the Prophet (peace be upon him), is pouring water three times over the head sufficient? Also, is there any difference between Ghusl of Janabah and Ghusl after menstruation?
Answer:
There is no difference between the Ghusl of Janabah for men and women. Neither is required to untie their hair for Ghusl. Instead, pouring water three times over the hair and washing the rest of the body is sufficient. The evidence for this is that Lady Umm Salamah (may Allah be pleased with her) asked the Prophet (peace be upon him):
"I am a woman with tightly braided hair. Should I undo it for Ghusl of menstruation and Janabah?" He replied, "No, it is sufficient for you to pour water three times over your head and then pour water over your whole body to purify yourself."
(Sahih Muslim)
If henna or any other substance that prevents water from reaching the body is present on a man or woman, it must be removed. Regarding a woman’s Ghusl of Janabah, it is debated whether she should untie her hair. The correct opinion is that it is not necessary for her to untie her hair, as some narrations indicate that Lady Umm Salamah (may Allah be pleased with her) asked the Prophet (peace be upon him):
"I am a woman with tightly braided hair. Should I undo it for Ghusl of menstruation and Janabah?" He replied, "No, it is sufficient for you to pour water three times over your head and then pour water over your whole body to purify yourself."
(Sahih Muslim)
This narration is explicit that it is not obligatory for a woman to untie her hair when performing Ghusl of Janabah or after menstruation. However, it is preferable for a woman to untie her hair for Ghusl after menstruation. This approach harmonizes various evidences, helps avoid disagreement, and adheres to caution.