Chapter on the Ritual Bath (ghusl)

Ghusl becomes obligatory in the following cases:

• The ejaculation of semen in spurts accompanied by pleasure; for one who is awake, the bath is not required if either element is missing. If the semen has merely shifted within the body but has not yet emerged, he must perform ghusl for that movement; should it exit afterward, a second bath is not required.

• The insertion of the glans of an actual penis into a natural private part—whether front or rear—even if the penetration involves an animal or a corpse.

• The conversion of a non-Muslim to Islam, death, menstruation, and post-natal bleeding; a bloodless childbirth does not require the bath.

Whoever is obliged to perform ghusl may not recite the Qur’an. He may pass through a mosque when a need arises, but he may not stay there without ablution.

It is recommended to bathe after washing a corpse, or after recovering from insanity or fainting when no erotic dream has occurred.

The complete ghusl is to intend it, pronounce the basmalah, wash the hands three times, cleanse any soiled area, perform wudu’, then pour water over the head three times1 until the roots are saturated, and finally wash the entire body three times.