GHUSAL

Ghusal is an act of washing the whole body from the head to the toe. "Ghusal" means "Bath." We must use clean running water to have a Ghusal so that all the dirt will be removed from our body.

Method of Making Ghusal
Read the Niyyat:

1. Wash both your hands up to the wrist.
2. Wash the private parts properly to remove all the dirt. Remove all pubic hair & the hair from under the arms.
3. Make WUDU. Ensure that the mouth & the nostrils are washed properly. Also brush your teeth & gargle your mouth till the throat.
4. Wash the entire head properly.
5. Then wash the entire body, making sure that every part is washed properly. Start with the right-hand side of the body & then the left-hand side.
6. When you have completed the Ghusal, dry the whole body with a clean towel & get dressed as quickly as possible.

The Farzs (Faraa'iz) of Ghusal
Now that you have a brief idea of how to make Ghusal, you should learn the Farzs (Faraa'iz) of Ghusal which are:

1. To wash the whole mouth. If you are not fasting, then you must gargle your mouth until the water reaches the throat.
2. To cleanse the nostrils.
3. To wash the whole body thoroughly from the head to the toe.

The Sunnahs of Ghusal
There are certain actions in Ghusal which are Sunnah. If you perform these actions you will get great Thawaab. These actions are:

1. The person should make the Niyyat or intention for Ghusal.
2. Washing the hands 3 times till the wrist.
3. Washing the private parts thoroughly.
4. All dirt from the body should be removed.
5. To perform the Wudu.
6. To pour water over the right shoulder 3 times & then over the left shoulder 3 times.
7. To pour water over the head & the whole body 3 times.
8. Washing the feet when Ghusal is completed & then leaving the place of Ghusal.
9. To make Ghusal in a private place. If you are making Ghusal in the bathroom, make sure that the door is closed & nobody can see you.
10. Make sure that you do not read or speak while making Ghusal. If somebody does call you & you need to reply then make a noise or sound like you are clearing your throat. The person will know that you are making Ghusal & will not disturb you.
11. To dry the body with a clean towel or cloth.

Note:

1. Do not face the Qiblah when making Ghusal or making Istinja. Remember not to build toilets & bathrooms facing the Qiblah.
2. You may stand or sit when making Ghusal, but it is better that you sit.
3. Do not waste water.

When is it Sunnah to make Ghusal?
There are certain occasions in which it is Sunnah to make Ghusal. Some of these occasions are:

1. For Jummah Salaat.
2. For both the Eids (Eid-ul-Fitr & Eid-ul-Adha).
3. On the Day of Arafaat.
4. Before one wears the Ihraam.

When is it Mustahab to make Ghusal?
It is "Mustahab" or "preferable" to make Ghusal on the following occasions:

1. Staying at Arafaat.
2. Staying at Muzdalifa.
3. When entering Masjid al-Haram.
4. When visiting the Masjid-an-Nabawi.
5. Making Tawaaf.
6. When entering Mina.
7. When stoning the Shaytaan (on the 3 days).
8. Laylat-ul-Baraat (Night of Baraat).
9. Laylat-ul-Qadr (Night of Power).
10. On the night of Arafaat.
11. For the Mawlood-un-Nabi (sallallahu alaihi wasallam) and when attending all Islamic functions.
12. After making Ghusal for the dead.
13. After the person is cured of madness or illness.
14. After unconsciousness.
15. After intoxication (drunkenness).
16. Before making Tauba.
17. When wearing new clothes.
18. After returning from a journey.
19. For most of the Nawaafil Salaat like Salaat-ul-Istisqa & others.
20. When there is unnatural darkness in the skies.
21. On the afternoon of a very hot day to wash away perspiration.
22. When embracing Islam.