Ghusl is a major purification required after janabah (sexual impurity). Allah commands purification in the Qur'an:
"فَاغْسِلُوا وُجُوهَكُمْ وَأَيْدِيَكُمْ إِلَى الْمَرَافِقِ وَامْسَحُوا بِرُءُوسِكُمْ وَأَرْجُلَكُمْ" (المائدة: 6)
Meaning: "Then wash your faces and your hands up to the elbows, and wipe your heads and your feet." [1] Ghusl restores spiritual and physical cleanliness.
Begin by making intention (niyyah) in your heart to purify yourself for the sake of Allah. The Prophet ﷺ said:
"إنما الأعمال بالنيات" (رواه البخاري ومسلم)
Meaning: "Actions are judged by intentions." [2] Sincere intention ensures ghusl is valid.
Start by washing your hands thoroughly three times to remove impurities. This step prepares your body for complete purification. [3]
Next, wash the private parts carefully with water to remove any traces of impurity. The Prophet ﷺ emphasized proper cleansing before full-body ghusl. [4]
Perform wudu (ablution) as part of ghusl. Wash the hands, mouth, nose, face, arms, head, and feet just as in regular wudu. [1][5]
Pour water over the entire body, ensuring no spot is left dry. Start from the head, then the right side of the body, followed by the left side. [5]
A practical example: Abu Hurairah رضي الله عنه narrated that after janabah, he would perform ghusl immediately following the Prophet ﷺ's guidance, washing carefully and completing wudu during ghusl. [6]
After ghusl, dress in clean clothes and ensure your body is completely dry. Recite "Ashhadu an la ilaha illa Allah wahdahu la sharika lahu wa ashhadu anna Muhammadan abduhu wa rasuluhu" for completion and spiritual purification. [7]
Ghusl after janabah is obligatory before Salah, touching the Qur'an, or fasting. Following these steps ensures both compliance with Islamic law and spiritual cleanliness. [8]
References:
1. Qur'an, Surah Al-Ma'idah, 5:6
2. Sahih Bukhari & Sahih Muslim, Book of Intention
3. Al-Muwatta Imam Malik, Book of Purification
4. Sunan Abu Dawood, Book of Purification
5. Sahih Muslim, Book of Ghusl
6. Riyad as-Salihin, Hadith of Abu Hurairah
7. Al-Fiqh al-Islami wa Adillatuh, Wahbah al-Zuhayli
8. Fiqh al-Sunnah, Sayyid Sabiq