Chapter on the Rulings of Ghusl

From the preceding discussion you have learned the rulings of purification from minor ritual impurity and the acts that nullify it. You now need to know the rulings of purification from major ritual impurity—whether caused by janābah (sexual defilement), menstruation, or post-partum bleeding. This form of purification is called ghusl (with a ḍammah on the ghayn); it is the use of water over the entire body in a specific manner that will be set out shortly.

The proof of its obligation is Allah’s statement: “And if you are in a state of janābah, then purify yourselves” (Qur’an 5:6).

It is reported that the practice of bathing after janābah was observed even in the pre-Islamic period; it was a remnant of the religion of Abraham, peace be upon him, that persisted among them.

There are six circumstances that make ghusl obligatory; when any one of them occurs the Muslim must perform a ritual bath.

1. The discharge of semen from its source, whether from a male or a female. This may happen while one is awake or asleep; then, if it is discharged—