for, they explain, it is not obligatory, since nothing has been reported to show that the Prophet ﷺ ordered every new convert to bathe. Accordingly, his command is understood as recommendation in order to harmonize the various evidences. Allah knows best.

Fourth: Among the circumstances that call for ghusl is death; the deceased must be washed, except for the martyr who falls in battle, for he is not to be washed. The details of this will come in the chapter on funerals, if Allah wills.

Fifth and sixth: Menstruation and post-partum bleeding likewise make ghusl obligatory, as proven by the Prophet’s ﷺ words, “When your menstruation ends, perform ghusl and pray,” and by the Almighty’s statement, “When they have purified themselves…” (2:222), meaning that they attain purification by bathing once the menses have ceased.

The full procedure for ghusl is as follows: he forms the intention in his heart, then pronounces the basmalah, washes his hands three times, and cleanses his private parts. He then performs a complete wuḍūʾ, pours water over his head three times so that it reaches the roots of the hair, and finally washes his entire body, rubbing it with his hands so the water reaches every part.

A woman bathing after menstruation or post-partum bleeding should undo her hair. For the bath of janābah she is not required to do so, because repeating it would be burdensome, yet she must still ensure that the water reaches the roots.

Whoever performs ghusl, whether man or woman, must take care that the water reaches the roots of the hair.