How to perform Ghusl
The full-body ritual purification — with the four obligatory acts, the sunnah method of the Prophet ﷺ and when it becomes wājib.
What is Ghusl?
Ghusl is the ritual washing of the entire body with the intention of removing a state of major ritual impurity (ḥadath akbar) — such as janābah, ḥayḍ or nifās — so that the person may pray, fast, recite the Quran and enter the mosque.
It differs from wudu in that the whole body must be washed. A complete, mindful shower with the correct niyyah — plus mouth and nose rinsing — fulfils it.
When ghusl is obligatory (wājib)
- Janābah — after sexual intercourse or ejaculation (wet dream, intimate contact resulting in discharge).
- End of ḥayḍ (menstruation) for women.
- End of nifās (post-natal bleeding) for women.
- Upon accepting Islam — a new convert performs ghusl.
- Death of a Muslim — the deceased is washed by others (ghusl al-mayyit).
When ghusl is recommended (mustaḥabb)
- Before Jumuʿah prayer — highly emphasized sunnah.
- Before the two ʿEid prayers.
- Before entering Iḥrām for Ḥajj or ʿUmrah.
- Before entering Makkah al-Mukarramah.
- On the day of ʿArafah for pilgrims.
- After washing a deceased person.
The four fard acts
- Making the intention (niyyah) in the heart — to lift ritual impurity (janābah / ḥayḍ / nifās).
- Rinsing the mouth (madmaḍah) so water reaches inside — Ḥanafī school considers this fard.
- Sniffing water into the nose (istinshāq) up to the soft part — Ḥanafī school considers this fard.
- Washing the entire body with water — every part of the skin, every hair root, without a single spot left dry.
Note: The Shāfiʿī and Mālikī schools consider only niyyah and full-body washing fard; rinsing mouth and nose are strong sunnah. The Ḥanafī and Ḥanbalī schools count them among the fard. Doing all of them is safest and matches the Prophet's ﷺ practice.
The Prophet's ﷺ method — step by step
Intention (Niyyah)
Make the intention silently in your heart: to perform ghusl to remove janābah (or ḥayḍ / nifās) and to purify yourself for worship. The intention is never spoken aloud.
Say Bismillah & wash the hands · ×3
بِسْمِ اللَّهِ
Bismillāh
Begin with the name of Allah and wash both hands up to the wrists three times.
Wash the private parts
Wash the private parts with the left hand and remove any impurity from the body.
Perform full wudu
Perform a complete wudu as you would for prayer — except delay washing the feet until the end. This wudu counts for the following prayer.
Note: Rinse mouth and nose thoroughly, wash the face, arms to the elbows, wipe the head and ears.
Rinse the mouth thoroughly
Take water into the mouth and rinse it well, gargling if not fasting.
Sniff water into the nose
Sniff water into the nose up to the soft part, then blow it out. Reach every part of the nasal passage.
Pour water on the head · ×3
Pour water over the head three times, working the fingers through the hair to the roots so the scalp is fully wet. Women with tied or braided hair need not undo it, as long as water reaches the roots.
Pour water over the right side of the body
Pour water over the right side from shoulder to foot, rubbing the skin to make sure no part is missed. The Prophet ﷺ favoured starting with the right.
Pour water over the left side of the body
Then pour water over the left side in the same way. Ensure every part of the skin is reached, including under the arms, behind the ears, the navel and between the toes.
Wash the feet last
Step away from the spot of washing (or turn) and wash both feet — right then left — up to the ankles.
Note: After the ghusl, you may pray immediately without repeating wudu, unless something breaks it before you pray.
Important notes
- One thorough wash reaching all skin is enough — three pourings on the head and body is sunnah, not fard.
- No prayer, tawāf, touching the Quran or entering the mosque is permitted until ghusl is completed.
- For a shower, follow the same intention and ensure water covers every part of the body.
- Bandages or a plaster that cannot be removed without harm may be wiped over (masḥ) — a scholar can advise on your case.
- If ghusl is not physically possible (e.g. illness, absence of water), tayammum replaces it temporarily.
Guidance is based on mainstream Sunni fiqh. Consult a qualified scholar for madhhab-specific details.