whether the bath is for menstruation, post-partum bleeding, or major sexual impurity, the person must pay special attention to the groin, under-arm creases, belly folds, and every place where the skin is puckered, pouring water over them and making sure it is worked in thoroughly.

A woman is not required to loosen or cut her hair when she bathes; it is enough for her to pour three generous handfuls of water over her head, gathering the hair with her fingers each time so the water reaches the roots.

Some have maintained that if one covers the whole body with water—either by pouring or by immersing himself—with the conscious intention of fulfilling the obligation, the bath is valid even without rubbing the limbs, provided the water reaches every part. The first view, however—that rubbing is required—is sounder and is the relied-upon position of the school.

There is no fixed quantity of water for performing ablution or for the ritual bath of janābah; a person may use whatever amount suffices him, while excess is blameworthy.

Performing ablution before the janābah bath is recommended, not compulsory. If semen is discharged forcefully after the bath but without sexual desire, a fresh ablution suffices.

Should someone, after first removing any visible impurity, perform his janābah bath in still water, the act is disliked because it leaves used water for others, yet the water itself remains pure, as noted earlier.