Ghusl Steps to Ensure Spiritual Purity

Cleanliness is one of the most fundamental teachings of Islam. While achieving spiritual purity is an important goal for believers, it cannot be attained without attaining physical cleanliness. The Quran specifically mentions that Allah (SWT) loves those who keep themselves clean and pure. For this reason, believers must maintain a high level of personal hygiene. They are required to perform ablution (Wudu) before offering prayers, and also need to undergo a Ghusl under certain situations. In this article, we will  discuss ghusl steps and how to perform Ghusl according to Islamic recommendations. The Ghusl steps should be performed in a specific order to ensure Sharia compliance.

What is Ghusl and why is it Important?

Ghusl is a complete ablution required for spiritual purification after certain events, such as menstruation, sexual activity, or childbirth. Ghusl achieves both physical and spiritual purity. After engaging in an act that requires purification, it is essential to know how to do Ghusl correctly. However, Islam generally encourages the practice to promote cleanliness and hygiene.

According to a Hadith narrated Abu Sa`id Al-Khudri: The Prophet (ﷺ) said, “Ghusl (taking a bath) on Friday is compulsory for every Muslim reaching the age of puberty.” (Sahih al-Bukhari, 858)

In another Hadith, the Prophet (ﷺ) emphasized the need to attain purity by performing Ghusl.

Abu Sufyan said: “Abu Ayyub Al-Ansari, Jabir bin ‘Abdullah, and Anas bin Malik told me that when this Verse: “In it (the mosque) are men who love to clean and to purify themselves. And Allah loves those who make themselves clean and pure.” was revealed, the Messenger of Allah said: ‘O Ansar! Allah has praised you for your cleanliness. What is the nature of your cleanliness?’ They said: ‘We perform ablution for prayer and we take bath to cleanse ourselves of impurity due to sexual activity, and we clean ourselves with water (after urinating). He said: ‘This is what it is. So adhere to it.'” (Sunan Ibn Majah, 355)

Traditionally, the ghusl is also performed before Hajj, Eid al-Fitr, and Eid al-Adha. All Muslims must also undergo ghusl before their burial. 

When is Ghusl Necessary?

Apart from the occasions mentioned before, Ghusl has to be performed after the following conditions:

•         Release of sperm
•         Menstruation and Lochia
•         False menstruation or menorrhagia
•         Sexual intercourse

The following Quranic verses mention the states after which one must not approach prayers. These states require Ghusl.

“O you who have believed, do not approach prayer while you are intoxicated until you know what you are saying or in a state of janabah, except those passing through [a place of prayer], until you have washed [your whole body]. And if you are ill or on a journey or one of you comes from the place of relieving himself or you have contacted women and find no water, then seek clean earth and wipe over your faces and your hands [with it]. Indeed, Allah is ever Pardoning and Forgiving.”  (Surat An-Nisā’ , 4:43)

Steps to Perform Ghusl

These Ghusl steps will explain how to do Ghusl according to Sharia requirements. 

1.  Make the Niyyah (intention) for ghusl. Then start with Bismillah.
2.  Wash your hands (up to the wrists) three times.  
3.  Using your left hand to wash your private parts. Clean your body of dirt and filth.
4.  Follow the Wudu Steps. Your mouth and nostrils should be adequately rinsed. Ensure that your feet are washed thoroughly while performing complete Wudu. You may wash your feet later if you are sitting in a place with mud; however, you should perform the complete Wudu.  
5. Pour water on your head three times. Let it flow all over your body. The back of your knees are also washed thoroughly.
6. Put water over both your shoulders and repeat three times. Start with the right shoulder first. While pouring the water, use your hands to ensure that no part of the body remains dry.
7.  Move to a dry and clean place and wash your feet if they were not washed before Wudu.
8.  Recite the Shahada after performing the Wudu.

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Conclusion

Ghusl is a ritual that embodies the Islamic values of cleanliness and purity. It functions not only as a method of physical cleansing but also as a means to attain spiritual readiness for prayer and worship. By learning how to do Ghusl properly, believers can uphold their spiritual and physical purity in alignment with Islamic teachings. Understanding how to do Ghusl not only enhances one’s spirituality but also promotes personal hygiene. In this article, we discuss the steps necessary for Ghusl and the circumstances that require it.

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