This Prophetic wisdom—and the scientific marvel it contains—has now become evident. Al-Jurjāwī remarks that the Wise Lawgiver made a full ghusl obligatory after the emission of semen but not after urination, even though both fluids emerge from the same organ. The reason is that urine is merely the waste of food and drink, whereas semen is a substance drawn from every part of the body. Hence we observe that the body is affected when semen leaves it while it is not affected by the passing of urine; a person’s strength wanes after intercourse, and washing with water restores the strength lost through the release of semen. Because that loss of energy produces lethargy, bathing revives the body’s vigor.

Physicians openly state that bathing after intercourse replenishes the body’s strength, that it is the most effective means of stimulating blood circulation so that vitality returns, and that neglecting to bathe causes serious harm.

Ritual purity is therefore highly beneficial for both men and women. When the sexual act has drained one’s energy and vitality, ghusl restores that energy and vitality. Truly, Allah’s law is replete with wisdom and hidden benefits.