Al Gusl (Ritual Bath) in Islām

Al Gusl (Ritual Bath) is a full-body ritual bath in Islām performed to achieve ritual purity after a state of major impurity.

In Islām, Gusl (Ritual bath) is classified into two (2) main categories. which are:

Guslul Wājib (Obligatory Ritual Bath): This is a full-body ritual purification in Islām that is mandatory after a specific events or situation that render a person ritually impure.
Guslul Mustaḥabb (Recommended Ritual Bath): This is a voluntary full-body ritual bath in Islām performed for spiritual reasons or specific occasions. It is not mandatory but it is encouraged to enhance spiritual purity and closeness to Allah.

Obligatory ritual bath (Guslul Wājib) is categorized into five (5). Which are:

Guslul Janābah: This is a mandatory ritual bath required after sexual intercouse or ejaculation, even if it is just a wet dream.
Guslul Ḥayḍ: This is a mandatory ritual bath required after menstruation.
Guslun Nifās: This is a mandatory ritual bath required after postpartum bleeding stops.
Gusl Dukhūl fil Islām: This is a mandatory ritual bath performed when entering Islam, specifically upon conversion. It is a significant step symbolizing purification and spiritual rebirth.
Guslul Janāzah: This is the ritual washing and purification of a deceased Muslim's body before burial.

Recommended ritual bath (Guslul Mustaḥabb) are as follow:

Gusl Yawmul Jumʿah: This is a recommended ritual bath performed before Friday prayer (Jumʿah), to attend the prayer in a state of physical and spiritual purity.
Guslul ʿĪdayn: This is a recommended ritual bath performed before ʿĪd prayers, to show reverence and prepare for the celebration.
Guslul Iḥrām: This is a ritual bath performed before entering the sacred state (for Ḥajj or ʿUmrah).

Learn more about other Islamic ethics

All Ritual baths are performed the same way, only intention will differ. Basic steps on how to perform Gusl (Ritual bath):

Intention(An Niyyah): Make the intetion to perform Gusl for purification.
Wash Hands: Wash your hands up from finger to the wrist.
Wash Private Parts: Wash and clean your private part.
Perform Wuḍūʾ: Perform the ritual ablution (Al Wuḍūʾ) 1x.
Water Over Body: Make sure water circulate to all part of the body by:
- Washing the head 3x
- Washing the right side of the body 3x
- Washing the left side of the body 3x
- Washing the front side of the body 3x
Rub Body: Rub your body and ensure water reaches all parts of the body.
Al Wuḍūʾ (Ablution): Complete your Gusl with Ablution (Al Wuḍūʾ).