In the name of Allah, Most Compassionate, Most Merciful.

Ghusl can be classified in to two types

(1) Compulsory

(a) Ghusl is compulsory should one have a discharge of mani (sperm) owing to stimulation while asleep or awake. Abu Sa’eed reported that he heard the Messenger of Allah (sallal lahu alayhi wa sallam) say, “Water (washing) is (needed) after (ejaculation of) sperm.” (Related by Muslim.)

(b) After sexual intercourse – Abu Hurairah reported that the Prophet, (sallal lahu alayhi wa sallam) said, “When anyone sits between the four parts of her body and exerts himself (has intercourse), bathing becomes obligatory (for both).” (Related by Ahmad and Muslim)

(c) After menstruation and childbirth bleeding – Allah states in the Qur’an, “Do not approach them until they become pure. When they are pure, go to them in the manner that Allah has prescribed for you.” The Messenger of Allah (sallal lahu alayhi wa sallam) said to Fatimah bint Abu Habish, “Do not pray during your period. After it has ended, perform ghusl and pray.” (Related by al-Bukhari and Muslim.)

(d) When a Muslim dies, it is obligatory to wash his or her body, according to the consensus of the Muslims.

(e) New converts to Islam must perform ghusl. Abu Hurairah reported that Thumamah al-Hanafi was captured. The Prophet, upon whom be peace, passed by him and said, “What do you have to say for yourself, O Thumamah?” He said, “If you kill me, you would be killing a relative. If you give me a bounty (set me free), I would be thankful. If you want wealth (as a ransom), we can give you what you wish.” The companions of the Prophet preferred the ransom and said, “What would we get if we killed him?” One time when the

Prophet passed by him, he finally embraced Islam. The Prophet, upon whom be peace, untied him and told him to go to the garden of Abu Talhah and perform ghusl. He performed ghusl and prayed two rak’ah. The Prophet said, “Indeed, your brother became a fine Muslim.” This hadith is related by Ahmad. There is also a source for the story in reports by al-Bukhari and Muslim.

(2) Sunnah/Preferred

Muslims are encouraged to perform ghusl before they gather for the Friday

Prayer, Ids, before going to Arafah, before putting on Ihraam. (Hidaya: Vol1, P32)

And Allah knows best.

Sayeedur Rahman

Darul Ifta, Birmingham