The ritual bath (Al-ghusl)
As mentioned in our previous article, in Islam we have the internal purification and the external purification. The external purification is composed of the ritual bath (Al-ghusl), the ablution (Wudu’) and the dry ablution (Tayammum).
- The ritual bath (Al-ghusl)
The ritual bath is an obligation quoted in the Qur’an. Allah says: “And if ye are unclean, purify yourselves” S5 V6
“They question you (O Muhammad) concerning menstruation. Say: It is an illness, so let women alone at such times and go not in unto them till they are cleansed. And when they have purified themselves, then go in unto them as Allah has enjoined upon you. Truly Allah loves those who turn unto Him, and loves those who have a care for cleanliness.” S2. V222
The Muslim must observe the ritual bath:
- After ejaculation: discharge of sperm due to a pleasure caused when awake or asleep
- After inserting the gland of sex in the vagina of the woman even without ejaculation
- After menses period for the woman as well as after giving birth (end of blood following birth)
- After death: it is recommended to perform the ritual bath to the deceased except for the martyr who died for the sake of Allah
- Conversion to Islam: whoever converts to Islam must perform the ritual bath.
Actions forbidden in the state of impurity
In the state of impurity where the ritual bath is an obligation, it is forbidden to do the following before the ritual bath:1. Prayer (Salat)2. Holding or touching Qur’an3. Reading Qur’an4. Entering the mosque with the intention to stay longerIt is also recommended to perform the ritual bath:
- Before the two (2) celebrations prayers (Eid el fitr and Eid el adha)
- Before Ihram (being in the state of consecration for Hajj)
- Before entering Mecca
- Before the station of Arafat during the Hajj
- How to perform the ritual bath (Al-ghusl)
For the ritual bath to be valid, the two (2) following conditions must be met:
- The intention
- Washing the whole bodyTo perform the ritual bath, you need pure water that purifies (which, neither the taste, nor the colour or the odour has changed).
First, you must wash your hands, followed by washing your intimate parts. You must then perform the normal ablution (Wudu’) as for prayer (Salat). At this point, it is preferable to leave the washing of the feet to the end of the bath.
You pour water on the head while making sure that the water has touched the scalp before washing the right side of your trunk, followed by the left side.Finally, pour water on the whole body while rubbing the body with your hand without forgetting to wash your feet.
May Allah make it easier our understanding of Islam !
By Sidick
