How to Perform Ghusl According to the Sunnah

Learn the step-by-step method of performing ghusl according to authentic hadith, including the obligatory acts, recommended Sunnahs, and common mistakes to avoid.

All perfect praise be to Allah, The Lord of the Worlds. I testify that there is none worthy of worship except Allah, and that Prophet Muhammad ﷺ is His slave and Messenger.

Ghusl is the complete ritual purification prescribed in Islam for removing major ritual impurity (janabah). It becomes obligatory in situations such as sexual intercourse, ejaculation, the completion of menstruation, the completion of postnatal bleeding, and when a person embraces Islam according to many scholars.

Purification is a condition for the validity of Salah and many other acts of worship. Therefore, every Muslim should learn the correct manner of performing ghusl according to the Sunnah of the Messenger of Allah ﷺ.

“O you who believe! Do not approach prayer while you are in a state of janabah until you have washed your whole body.”

Qur'an, Surah An-Nisa 4:43

“And if you are in a state of janabah, then purify yourselves.”

Qur'an, Surah Al-Ma'idah 5:6

The obligatory acts of ghusl

For a ghusl to be valid, two essential matters must be fulfilled:

Having the intention (niyyah) to remove major ritual impurity.
Ensuring that water reaches every part of the body, including the roots of the hair.

If these two conditions are fulfilled, the ghusl is valid. However, the complete Sunnah method is more perfect and follows the practice of the Prophet ﷺ.

How to perform ghusl according to the Sunnah

The following method is based upon the authentic narrations of A'ishah (رضي الله عنها) and Maymunah (رضي الله عنها):

1. Make the intention

Intend in your heart to purify yourself from janabah, menstruation, postnatal bleeding, or any other reason requiring ghusl. The intention is in the heart and should not be spoken aloud.

2. Say "Bismillah"

Begin in the name of Allah, as is recommended before acts of purification.

3. Wash the hands three times

Wash both hands thoroughly before placing them into the water or proceeding with the rest of the ghusl.

4. Wash the private parts

Clean any impurity or traces of discharge from the private area.

5. Perform wudu

Perform wudu as you would for Salah. Some narrations mention delaying the washing of the feet until the end of the ghusl if bathing on a surface where water collects.

A'ishah (رضي الله عنها) said:

“When the Messenger of Allah ﷺ performed ghusl from janabah, he began by washing his hands, then he poured water with his right hand over his left and washed his private parts. Then he performed wudu as for prayer.”

Sahih Bukhari, 248; Sahih Muslim, 316

6. Pour water over the head three times

Pour water over the head three times while ensuring that it reaches the roots of the hair and the scalp.

A'ishah (رضي الله عنها) said:

“Then he would put his fingers into the water and run them through the roots of his hair, and when he thought that the skin had been wetted sufficiently, he would pour three handfuls of water over his head.”

Sahih Bukhari, 248; Sahih Muslim, 316

7. Wash the entire body

Wash the rest of the body completely, ensuring that water reaches every part. Begin with the right side before the left side, following the Sunnah.

Special attention should be given to places that people often miss, such as:

Under the armpits.
Behind the knees.
Inside the navel.
Behind the ears.
Between the fingers and toes.
Under thick hair.

8. Wash the feet (if not already washed during wudu)

If the feet were delayed during wudu, they should be washed at the end of the ghusl.

Maymunah (رضي الله عنها) described the ghusl of the Prophet ﷺ and said:

“Then he moved away from the place where he had bathed and washed his feet.”

Sahih Bukhari, 257; Sahih Muslim, 317

Is wudu required after ghusl?

If a person performed the complete Sunnah ghusl that included wudu, then he does not need to repeat wudu before Salah unless he breaks his wudu afterwards.

If a person performed a valid ghusl with the intention of purification and no nullifier of wudu occurred during the bath, many scholars hold that it is sufficient for prayer.

Do women have to undo their braids for ghusl?

If water can reach the roots of the hair and scalp, a woman does not have to undo tightly braided hair when performing ghusl from janabah.

Umm Salamah (رضي الله عنها) asked the Prophet ﷺ about her braided hair. He replied:

“It is sufficient for you to pour three handfuls of water over your head, then pour water over yourself, and you will become purified.”

Sahih Muslim, 330

Common mistakes when performing ghusl

Forgetting to ensure water reaches all parts of the body.
Missing areas beneath thick hair.
Believing that a specific verbal intention must be recited.
Wasting excessive amounts of water.
Rushing through the ghusl without ensuring complete purification.

Shaykh Muhammad ibn Salih al-'Uthaymin (رحمه الله) explained that the essence of valid ghusl is that water reaches the entire body with the intention of purification. The complete Sunnah method, however, is superior and follows the example of the Messenger of Allah ﷺ.

Ash-Sharh al-Mumti'

In summary, the Sunnah method of ghusl is to make the intention, wash the hands, clean the private parts, perform wudu, pour water over the head three times, wash the entire body thoroughly, and ensure that no area remains dry. This was the practice of the Prophet ﷺ and is the most complete way to attain purification.

And Allah knows best.