and to the creases of the body, the area beneath the chin, the armpits, the navel, and the hollows behind the knees. If he is wearing a watch or a ring, he should move it so that water reaches the skin underneath.

In short, he must take care to complete the ghusl thoroughly, leaving no spot of his body untouched by water. The Prophet ﷺ said, “Beneath every hair lies a state of major ritual impurity; therefore wash the hair and cleanse the skin.” Reported by Abu Dawud and al-Tirmidhi.

He should also avoid wasting water: the Sunnah is to use a small amount yet wash well. The Prophet ﷺ used to perform wuḍūʾ with a mudd and take a ghusl with a sāʿ, so one ought to follow his example by economizing and shunning extravagance.

Likewise, the bather must remain covered; it is impermissible to wash naked in full view of others. The Prophet ﷺ said, “Allah is modest and loves modesty and privacy; when any of you bathes, let him cover himself.” Reported by Abu Dawud and al-Nasa’i.

Performing ghusl for major ritual impurity is one of the trusts between a servant and his Lord. He must safeguard it, learn its rulings, and carry it out as prescribed.