An adult Muslim must perform self-purification, which is called obligatory bathing or junub (ghusl), before worshiping and praying. This ritual of full body bathing (compared to purification of parts of the body, namely ablution) is obligatory for both men and women to purify the body after performing certain actions. When taking a obligatory bath, all parts of the body must be washed and rubbed clean to remove najis.
Step
Method 1 of 3: Knowing When to Take a Mandatory Bath
Step 1. Understand that bathing is mandatory after a person has had a pleasant ejaculation
This can be in the form of ejaculation after intercourse or accidental ejaculation due to a wet dream. However, if the release of sperm is not accompanied by pleasure, you do not need a mandatory bath.
- For example, if a person excretes sperm because he is suffering from an illness, he does not have to take a obligatory bath.
- Remember, mandatory bathing is not necessary if you are only excreting mazi (urethral fluid), which sometimes comes out when someone imagines or wants to have sex.
- You still have to take a mandatory bath if you have sex even if you don't ejaculate.
Step 2. Understand that the obligatory bath should be done after the menstrual bleeding stops
Immediately do the obligatory bath after the menstrual bleeding stops, preferably before the time of the next prayer. If you notice bloodstains or are bleeding, repeat the mandatory bath to wash yourself after the bleeding stops again.
This also applies to bleeding after childbirth. If there is no bleeding after delivery, a mandatory bath should be performed 40 days after delivery
Step 3. Bathe the body of a Muslim who died naturally as soon as possible
This is done as part of a funeral rite for the person and should be done as soon as possible after he or she dies. In general, obligatory bathing for the deceased is carried out by adult family members.
Remember, there are exceptions for mujahids who die on the battlefield. They do not need to be bathed with a mandatory bathing ritual
Step 4. Perform the obligatory bath in the circumstances required to do so
There are several situations where a person does not actually have to take a obligatory bath, but is commanded to do so. Some of these situations include:
- When a non-Muslim converts to Islam.
- Before going to the mosque for Friday prayers.
- Before performing the Eid prayer.
- After washing the corpse.
- Before going for the pilgrimage to Mecca.
Method 2 of 3: Getting Prepared Right
Step 1. Find a source of clean water that can be used
In addition to tap water, you can also use rain water, well water, spring water, sea water, water from melting snow, or pool water. Even so, do not use water that is not holy or has been used for other things.
- Remember, water that has changed color or may contain human or animal body fluids should not be used for mandatory bathing.
- Make sure you use safe water when taking a mandatory bath, especially if you live in an area with an unclean water supply.
- If you're traveling and can't find clean water, use clean soil to rub on your face and hands. This is called tayammum. If you finally find water, you should immediately take a mandatory bath.
Step 2. Perform mandatory bathing in an enclosed area, if possible
In Islam, exposing the lower limbs to others is a sin. The easiest way to take a mandatory bath is in a private bathroom with the door locked.
There is an exception to this rule, namely that a person may show limbs to his own husband or wife
Step 3. Begin with the intention to purify yourself in your heart
This can be done by only intending in your heart that you will perform the obligatory bath to gain the pleasure of Allah. Intentions do not need to be pronounced out loud. You just have to express it in your heart.
There is no surefire way to pronounce intention "correctly". Just keep it in your heart that you want to take a mandatory bath to fulfill this "intention" requirement
Step 4. Say “bismillah” out loud to mention Allah's name
This is a verbal sign that you are taking the obligatory bath to gain Allah's approval. This is also to remind that the obligatory bath is a very important worship and not just an ordinary bath.
You can also recite a more complete sentence, namely Bismillahirrahmanirrahim, if you wish. It means "In the name of Allah, the Most Gracious, the Most Merciful"
Method 3 of 3: Body Wash
Step 1. Wash your hands first until they reach your wrists
Wash your right hand thoroughly, and make sure you also rub between your fingers. Do this 3 times. After that, wash your left hand 3 times in the same way.
As with wudu, you should also remove the nail polish when doing this. Both men and women should also remove anything that prevents water from touching the skin, including jewelry
Step 2. Continue the process by cleaning private parts and dirty areas
Use water to clean any traces of semen or vaginal fluid that sticks to private areas. If the liquid sticks to other parts of the body (such as hands), wash those parts too.
Make sure to do this 3 times so that you can perform the purification perfectly
Step 3. Flush head, face and neck with water 3 times
Make sure you wash your head properly so that the water actually reaches your scalp. If you have a beard and other facial hair, wash this area down to the base. All areas of the head should be completely exposed to water.
- If you have a beard, run a handful of water under your chin, then rub the water all over your beard to wash it off.
- Also make sure to wash the ears as part of the head. However, you don't need to wash the inside of your ear during this process.
Step 4. Sprinkle water all over the right side of the body, from the shoulders to the feet
Rub the water all over the right side of your body with your left hand, being careful not to miss any areas. Make sure you flush and scrub your back, thighs, feet, and private areas.
If you use a cup or saucer to pour water over your body, you may need a lot of water to ensure that all parts of your body are exposed to the water
Step 5. Repeat this process on the left side of the body
Wash the left side of the body from shoulder to foot. Again, make sure no body parts are missed when you do this process.
- Understand that skipping one part of the body makes mandatory bathing illegal. You have to do it in detail with a firm intention in your heart to purify yourself.
- Remember that there is no scientifically agreed basis for the order in which bathing is mandatory. Although most scholars are of the opinion that the right side of the body should be washed first, there are some scholars who state that the entire body should be washed with water after you wash your head and face.
Step 6. Dry with a clean towel (if desired) and put on clothes
You don't have to dry off after you're done with the obligatory bath. However, if you choose to dry yourself with a towel, make sure the towel is really clean. Otherwise, the body will get dirty and you will have to restart the whole process!
