Bath (Bathing)

BATHE:

5:6 - O ye who believe! when ye prepare for prayer wash your faces and your hands (and arms) to the elbows; rub your heads (with water); and (wash) your feet to the ankles. If ye are in a state of ceremonial impurity bathe your whole body. But if ye are ill or on a journey or one of you cometh from offices of nature or ye have been in contact with women and ye find no water then take for yourselves clean sand or earth and rub therewith your faces and hands. Allah doth not wish to place you in a difficulty but to make you clean and to complete His favor to you that ye may be grateful. 702 703 704

702 These are the essentials of Wudhu, or ablutions preparatory to prayers, viz., (1) to bathe the whole face in water, and (2) both hands and arms to the elbows, with (3) a little rubbing of the head with water (as the head is usually protected and comparatively clean), and (4) the bathing of the feet to the ankles. In -addition, following the practice of the Prophet, it is usual first to wash the mouth, and the nose before proceeding with the face, etc. (5.6)

703 Cf. iv. 43 and n. 563. Ritual impurity arises from sex pollution. (5.6)

704 This is Tayammum, or wiping with clean sand or earth where water is not available. I take it that this substitute is permissible both for Wudhu and for a full bath, in the circumstances mentioned. (5.6)

See under “Ablution”

Fiqh-us-Sunnah
Fiqh 1.59

Ghusl for women

A woman performs ghusl just as a man does, except that if she has plaited hair she does not have to undo it, provided that the water can reach the roots of her hair. Umm Salamah said, "O Messenger of Allah, I am a woman who has closely plaited hair on my head. Do I have to undo them for ghusl after sexual intercourse?" He said, "No, it is enough for you to throw three handfuls of water on your head and then pour water over yourself. After doing this, you shall be cleansed." (Related by Ahmad, Muslim and at-Tirmidhi, who called it hassan sahih.) 'Ubaid ibn 'Umair reported that 'Aishah discovered that 'Abdullah ibn 'Amr was ordering the women to undo their plaits of hair (for ghusl). She observed, "It is amazing that Ibn 'Amr orders the woment to undo the plaits of hair for ghusl. Why doesn't he just order them to shave their heads? I and the Messenger of Allah used to bathe from one vessel, and all I did was pour three handfuls of water over my head."(Related by Ahmad and Muslim.)

t is preferrable for a woman performing ghusl to cleanse herself from menstruation or post-childbirth bleeding to take some cotton smeared with musk or perfume and wipe it over the traces of blood. This will remove the bad smell of the menstrual blood. 'Aishah reported, "'Asma bint Yazid asked the Messenger of Allah about ghusl after menstruation has ended. He said, "She should use water mixed with the leaves of the lote-tree and cleanse herself. Then she should pour water over her head and rub it well till it reaches the roots of the hair, after which she should pour water over it. Afterwards, she should take a piece of cotton smeared with musk and cleanse herself with it." 'Asma asked, "How should she cleanse herself with it?" He said, "Praise be to Allah, she should cleanse herself with it." 'Aishah said in a subdued tone that she should apply it to the traces of blood. 'Asma then asked about bathing after sexual intercourse. He said, "She should take water and cleanse herself or complete the ablution, pour water on her head and rub it till it reaches the roots of her hair, and then she should pour water over herself." 'Aishah observed, "How good are the women of the 'helpers' that shyness does not keep them from learning their religion." (Related by "the group," except at-Tirmidhi.)

Sunnah
Fiqh 1.60Fiqh-us-

Questions related to Ghusl

It is sufficient to perform one ghusl for both menstruation and sexual impurity, or for the Friday prayer and the 'id prayer, or for sexual impurity and the Friday prayer, if one has the intention for both of them. This is based on the Prophet's saying, "All acts are based on intentions."

If a person performed post-sex ghusl but did not make ablution, the ghusl will suffice. Said 'Aishah, "The Messenger of Allah did not perform ablution after ghusl." Ibn 'Umar said to a man who had told him that he performed ablution after ghusl, "You went too far." Says Abu Bakr ibn al-'Arabi, "There is no difference of opinion among the scholars that ablution falls under the category of ghusl. If the intention was to remove sexual impurity, it also includes the minor impurities, as what sexual impurity prevents is greater than what the minor impurities prevent. The smaller one falls under the greater one, and the intention for the greater one suffices.''

It is acceptable for a person in post-sex uncleanliness or a menstruating woman to remove their hairs, cut their nails, go to the markets, and so on, without any dislike. 'Ata said that such people can get cupped, cut their nails and their hair, and that this is allowed even if he (or she) has not performed the regular ablution. (Related by al-Bukhari).

One may enter a public bathroom. As long as he keeps his private parts from being seen, and he does not look at others' private parts. Says Ahmad, "If you know that everyone inside the bathroom is wearing a loincloth, you may enter. If not, then don't enter." The Prophet, upon whom be peace, said, "A man should not look at another man's private parts, and a woman should not look at another woman's private parts." There is no problem with mentioning Allah's name in the public baths, as mentioning the name of Allah under any circumstances is good, since there is no text prohibiting it. The Messenger of Allah used to remember Allah under all circumstances

There is no problem in drying one's self with a towel or other cloth after performing ablution or ghusl during the summer or winter.

It is permissible for a man to use the water left over by a woman and vice-versa. This is derived from the fact that it is permissible for them to perform ghusl from the same container. Ibn 'Abbas narrated that some of the Prophet's wives were performing ghusl from a container. The Prophet came and performed his ablution or ghusl from it. They said to him, "We were sexually unclean." He said, "The water does not become impure." (Related by Ahmad, Abu Dawud, an-Nasa'i and at-Tirmidhi, who called it hassan sahih). 'Aishah used to wash with the Messenger of Allah from one container, and they would take turns taking water until he said, "Leave some for me, leave some for me."

It is not allowed to bathe in the nude in front of people. It is forbidden to uncover one's private parts. If you cover it with some clothes, it is permissible. The Messenger of Allah would cover Fatimah with a curtain when she performed ghusl. If one performs ghusl in the nude, far away from the people, it is not prohibited. The prophets Musa (Moses) and Ayyub (Job) did so, as al-Bukhari, Ahmad, and an-Nasa'i recorded.

Al-Tirmidhi Hadith
Hadith 1400 Narrated by
Al-Bara'

Allah's Messenger (peace be upon him) said, "It is a duty for Muslims to bathe on Friday, and one may apply some of his wife's perfume; but if he can get none, water is a perfume for him."

Ahmad and Tirmidhi transmitted it, the latter saying that this is a hasan tradition.

Sahih Bukhari Hadith Subjects
Ghusl

1. 'Allah does not want to place a burden on you but He wants to purify you!(Surah 5 Ayah 6)'

2. Performing ablution before taking a bath
B 1.248, B 1.249

3. Husband and wife bathing together
B 1.250

4. Bathing with a Sa of water
B 1.251, B 1.252, B 1.253

5. Pouring water thrice on the head
B 1.254, B 1.255, B 1.256

6. Washing the body parts once only
B 1.257

7. Scenting with perfume
B 1.258

8. Cleansing the mouth and nose while bathing
B 1.259

9. Rubbing with earth to clean thoroughly
B 1.260

10. Putting hands in container before bathing
B 1.261, B 1.262, B 1.263, B 1.264

11. Interval during bath or ablution
B 1.265

12. Pouring water with right hand over left hand
B 1.266

13. Repeating sexual intercourse without bathing
B 1.267, B 1.268

14. Washing away emotional urethral discharge
B 1.269

15. The effect of scent remaining after bathing
B 1.270, B 1.271

16. Rubbing the hair thoroughly
B 1.272

17. Bathing and not washing parts again which have been washed in ablution
B 1.273

18. Remembering in the mosque that one is Junub
B 1.274

19. Removing water from body with hands after bathing
B 1.275

20. Starting from the right side of one's head
B 1.276

21. Taking a bath in seclusion
B 1.277

22. Screening while taking a bath
B 1.278, B 1.279

23. Women having a wet dream nocturnal discharge.
B 1.280

24. A Muslim does not become impure
B 1.281

25. Going out of person while he is Junub
B 1.282, B 1.283

26. A Junub staying home only with ablution
B 1.284

27. Sleeping of a Junub person
B 1.285

28. Janub performing only ablution before sleeping
B 1.286, B 1.287, B 1.288

29. If male and female organs come in close contact
B 1.289, B 1.290

30. Washing away a woman's discharge
B 1.291, B 1.292

Sunan of Abu-Dawood
Hadith 295 Narrated by
Aisha, Ummul Mu'minin

Sahlah daughter of Suhayl had a prolonged flow of blood. She came to the Prophet (peace be upon him). He commanded her to take a bath for every prayer. When it became hard for her, he commanded her to combine the noon and afternoon prayers with one bath and the sunset and night prayer with one bath, and to take a bath (separately) for the dawn prayer.

Sahih Muslim Hadith
Hadith 684 Narrated by
AbuMusa

There cropped up a difference of opinion between a group of Muhajirs (Emigrants) and a group of Ansar (Helpers) (and the point of dispute was) that the Ansar said: The bath (because of sexual intercourse) becomes obligatory only when the semen spurts out or ejaculates. But the Muhajirs said: When a man has sexual intercourse (with the woman), a bath becomes obligatory (no matter whether or not there is seminal emission or ejaculation). AbuMusa said: Well, I shall satisfy you on this (issue). He (AbuMusa, the narrator) said: I stood up, (went) to Aisha and sought her permission which was granted. I said to her: O Mother, or Mother of the Faithful, I want to ask you about a matter about which I feel shy. She said: Don't feel shy of asking me about a thing which you can ask your mother who gave birth to you, for I too am your mother. Upon this I said: What makes a bath obligatory for a person? She replied: You have come across one who is well informed! The Messenger of Allah (peace be upon him) said: When anyone sits amidst four parts (of the woman) and the circumcised parts touch each other. a bath becomes obligatory.

Al-Tirmidhi Hadith
Hadith 442 Narrated by
Aisha

Allah's Messenger (peace be upon him) said: When the circumcised parts bypass one another (i.e. have intercourse), taking of a bath is necessary. Allah's Messenger (peace be upon him) and I did that and then we took a bath.

Transmitted by Tirmidhi and Ibn Majah.

Sahih Al-Bukhari Hadith
Hadith 2.9 Narrated by
Tawus

I said to Ibn 'Abbas, "The people are narrating that the Prophet said, 'Take a bath on Friday and wash your heads (i.e. take a thorough bath) even though you were not Junub and use perfume'." On that Ibn 'Abbas replied, "I know about the bath, (i.e. it is essential) but I do not know about the perfume (i.e. whether it is essential or not.)"

Sahih Muslim Hadith
Hadith 603 Narrated by
Aisha

Abdullah ibn AbdulQays said, "I asked Aisha about the Witr (prayer) of the Messenger of Allah (peace be upon him) and made mention of a hadith, then I said: What did he do after having sexual intercourse? Did he take a bath before going to sleep or did he sleep before taking a bath? She said: He did all these. Sometimes he took a bath and then slept, and sometimes he performed ablution only and went to sleep. I (the narrator) said: Praise be to Allah Who has made things easy (for human beings).

Sahih Al-Bukhari Hadith
Hadith 1.272 Narrated by
Hisham bin Urwa

(on the authority of his father) 'Aisha said, "Whenever Allah's Apostle took the bath of Janaba, he cleaned his hands and performed ablution like that for prayer and then took a bath and rubbed his hair, till he felt that the whole skin of the head had become wet, then he would pour water thrice and wash the rest of the body." 'Aisha further said, "I and Allah's Apostle used to take a bath from a single water container, from which we took water simultaneously."

Al-Tirmidhi Hadith
Hadith 2547 Narrated by
Zayd ibn Thabit

Zayd saw the Prophet (peace be upon him) strip to put on his ihram, and bathe.

Tirmidhi and Darimi transmitted it.

Al-Tirmidhi Hadith
Hadith 1009 Narrated by
AbuHurayrah

Allah's Messenger (peace be upon him) set out for prayer and as he recited AllahuAkbar, he suspended the prayer and going back made a gesture to them (the followers in prayer) to remain where they had been. He then left (the mosque), took a bath, then came back and the water was dripping from his head. He led them in prayer. As he concluded the prayer, he said: I was a junub and I forgot to take a bath.

Transmitted by Ahmad.

Al-Tirmidhi Hadith
Hadith 4477 Narrated by
Jabir ibn Abdullah

The Prophet (peace be upon him) said, "He who believes in Allah and the last day must not enter a bath without a lower garment. He who believes in Allah and the last day must not bring his spouse into a bath. And he who believes in Allah and the last day must not sit at a cloth where wine is being circulated."

Tirmidhi and Nasa'i transmitted it.

Sahih Al-Bukhari Hadith
Hadith 2.5 Narrated by
Abu Said

I testify that Allah's Apostle said, "The taking of a bath on Friday is compulsory for every male Muslim who has attained the age of puberty and (also) the cleaning of his teeth with Siwak, and the using of perfume if it is available." Amr (a sub-narrator) said, "I confirm that the taking of a bath is compulsory, but as for the Siwak and the using of perfume, Allah knows better whether it is obligatory or not, but according to the Hadith it is as above."

Sunan of Abu-Dawood
Hadith 219 Narrated by
AbuRafi'

One day the Prophet (peace be upon him) had intercourse with all his wives. He took a bath after each intercourse. I asked him: Apostle of Allah, why don't you make it a single bath? He replied: This is more purifying, better and cleaning.

Sunan of Abu-Dawood
Hadith 250 Narrated by
Aisha, Ummul Mu'minin

The Apostle of Allah (peace be upon him) took a bath and offered two rak'ahs of prayer and said the dawn prayer. I do not think he performed ablution afresh after taking a bath.

Sahih Al-Bukhari Hadith
Hadith 2.21 Narrated by
Abu Huraira

Allah's Apostle said "We are the last (to come amongst the nations) but (will be) the foremost on the Day of Resurrection. They were given the Holy Scripture before us and we were given the Qur'an after them. And this was the day (Friday) about which they differed and Allah gave us the guidance (for that). So tomorrow (i.e. Saturday) is the Jews' (day), and the day after tomorrow (i.e. Sunday) is the Christians'." The Prophet (p.b.u.h) remained silent (for a while) and then said, "It is obligatory for every Muslim that he should take a bath once in seven days, when he should wash his head and body."

Narrated Abu Huraira through different narrators that the Prophet said, "It is Allah's right on every Muslim that he should take a bath (at least) once in seven days."

Sahih Al-Bukhari Hadith
Hadith 2.345 Narrated by
Um Atiyya

Allah's Apostle came to us and we were giving a bath to his (dead) daughter and said, "Wash her three, five or more times with water and Sidr and sprinkle camphor on her at the end; and when you finish, notify me." So when we finished, we informed him and he gave us his waist-sheet and told us to shroud her in it. Aiyub said that Hafsa narrated to him a narration similar to that of Muhammad in which it was said that the bath was to be given for an odd number of times, and the numbers 3, 5 or 7 were mentioned. It was also said that they were to start with the right side and with the parts which were washed in ablution, and that Um 'Atiyya also mentioned, "We combed her hair and divided them in three braids."

Sahih Muslim Hadith
Hadith 646 Narrated by
Aisha

It was conveyed to Aisha that Abdullah ibn Amr ordered the women to undo the (plaits) of hair on their heads. She said: How strange it is for Ibn Amr that he orders the women to undo the plaits of their head while taking a bath; why does he not order them to shave their heads? I and the Messenger of Allah (peace be upon him) took bath from one vessel. I did no more than this that I poured three handfuls of water over my head.

Sahih Muslim Hadith
Hadith 674 Narrated by
AbuSa'id al-Khudri

I went to Quba with the Messenger of Allah (peace be upon him) on Monday till we reached (the habitation) of Banu Salim. The Messenger of Allah (peace be upon him) stood at the door of Itban and called him loudly. So he came out dragging his lower garment. Upon this the Messenger of Allah (peace be upon him) said: we have made this man to make haste Itban said: Messenger of Allah, if a man parts with his wife suddenly without seminal emission, what is he required to do (with regard to bath)? The Messenger of Allah ((peace be upon him)) said: It is with the seminal emission that bath becomes obligatory.

Sahih Muslim Hadith
Hadith 5427 Narrated by
Abdullah ibn Abbas

Allah's Messenger (peace be upon him) said: The influence of an evil eyes is a fact; if anything would precede the destiny it would be the influence of an evil eye, and when you are asked to take bath (as a cure) from the influence of an evil eye, you should take bath.

Fiqh-us-Sunnah
Fiqh 3.133c

Fasting, Acts That are Permissible During the Fast

The following acts are permissible for the fasting person:

1. Pouring water over one's self and submersing one's self in water: Abu Bakr ibn 'Abdurrahman reported from a number of companions that they had seen Allah's Messenger pour water over his head while he was fasting due to thirst or extreme heat. This is related by Ahmad, Malik, and Abu Dawud with a sahih chain.

In the two Sahih of al-Bukhari and Muslim, it is related from 'Aishah that the Prophet would rise in the morning on a fasting day and then would perform ghusl (a complete bath). If during the bath some water is swallowed unintentionally, the fast is still valid.

Sahih Al-Bukhari Hadith
Hadith 1.259 Narrated by
Maimuna

I placed water for the bath of the Prophet and he poured water with his right hand on his left and washed them. Then he washed his private parts and rubbed his hands on the ground, washed them with water, rinsed his mouth and washed his nose by putting water in it and blowing it out, washed his face and poured water on his head. He withdrew from that place and washed his feet. A piece of cloth (towel) was given to him but he did not use it.

Sunan of Abu-Dawood
Hadith 210 Narrated by
Sahl ibn Hunayf

I felt greatly distressed by the frequent flowing of prostatic fluid. For this reason I used to take a bath very often. I asked the apostle of Allah (peace be upon him) about this. He replied: Ablution will be sufficient for you because of this. I asked: Apostle of Allah, what should I do if it smears my clothes. He replied: It is sufficient if you take a handful of water and sprinkle it on your clothe when you find it has smeared it.

Al-Tirmidhi Hadith
Hadith 541 Narrated by
AbuHurayrah

Allah's Messenger (peace be upon him) said: He who washes the dead body, should take a bath.

Transmitted by Ibn Majah.

Sahih Al-Bukhari Hadith
Hadith 8.113 Narrated by
Zainab bint Um Salama

Um Sulaim said, "O Allah's Apostle! Verily Allah is not shy of (telling you) the truth. Is it essential for a woman to take a bath after she had a wet dream (nocturnal sexual discharge)?" He said, "Yes, if she notices discharge." On that Um Salama laughed and said, "Does a woman get a (nocturnal sexual) discharge?" He said, "How then does (her) son resemble her (his mother)?"

Sahih Al-Bukhari Hadith
Hadith 6.365 Narrated by
Uqba bin Sahban

Abdullah bin Mughaffal Al-Muzani who was one of those who witnessed (the event of) the tree, said, "The Prophet forbade the throwing of small stones (with two fingers)." 'Abdullah bin Al-Mughaffal Al-Muzani also said, "The Prophet also forbade urinating at the place where one takes a bath."

Sahih Al-Bukhari Hadith
Hadith 3.285 Narrated by
Aisha

The companions of Allah's Apostle used to practice manual labor, so their sweat used to smell, and they were advised to take a bath.

Fiqh-us-Sunnah
Fiqh 1.64a

One cannot find water, or the amount one finds is insufficient for ablution

'Imran bin Husain said, "We were with the Messenger of Allah during a journey. When he led the people in prayer, one man stayed apart. He asked him, "What prevented you from praying?" He said, 'I need a post-nocturnal bath and there is no water.' He said, 'Use the soil, for it is sufficient.''' (Related by al-Bukhari and Muslim.)

Abu Dharr related that the Prophet, upon whom be peace, said, "The soil is a purifier for a Muslim, even if he does not find water for twenty years." (Related by "the four." At-Tirmidhi grades it hassan sahih.) But before one makes tayammum, he must look for water from any posible source. If he is sure water is not to be found or it is too far away, he does not have to look for it.

Maududi Sura Introductions
Surah 5. Al-Maida
See Section

Topics

It deals with the following three main topics:

1. Commandments and instructions about the religious, cultural and political life of the Muslims. In this connection, a code of ceremonial rules concerning the journey for Hajj has been prescribed; the observance of strict respect for the emblems of Allah has been enjoined; and any kind of obstruction or interference with the pilgrims to the Kaabah has been prohibited. Definite rules and regulations have been laid down for what is lawful and unlawful in the matter of food, and self-imposed foolish restrictions of the pre-Islamic age have been abolished. Permission has been given to take food with the people of the Book and to marry their women. Rules and regulations for the performance of Wudu (ablutions) and bath and purification and tayammum (ablutions with dust) have been prescribed. Punishment for rebellion, disturbance of peace and theft have been specified. Drinking and gambling have absolutely been made unlawful. Expiation for the breaking of oath has been laid down and a few more things have been added to the law of evidence……

Sahih Al-Bukhari Hadith
Hadith 1.180 Narrated by
Abu Said Al Khud

Allah's Apostle sent for a Ansari man who came with water dropping from his head. The Prophet said, "Perhaps we have forced you to hurry up, haven't we?" The Ansari replied, "Yes." Allah's Apostle further said, "If you are forced to hurry up (during intercourse) or you do not discharge then ablution is due on you (This order was canceled later on, i.e. one has to take a bath).

Fiqh-us-Sunnah
Fiqh 1.65

If the water is cold enough to physically harm the user

This is only allowed on the condition that he can find no one to heat it, or is unable to use the public bathrooms. 'Amr ibn al-'Aas narrated that he was participating in an expedition. He had a wet dream during an extremely cold night, and was afraid that if he performed ghusl he would die. He prayed the morning prayer with his companions. He then went to the Messenger of Allah, upon whom be peace, to ask him about this. Muhammad said, "O 'Amr, did you pray with your companions while you needed a post-nocturnal bath?" 'Amr mentioned the verse, "Do not kill yourselves, Allah is merciful to you" to the Prophet. The Prophet just laughed and didn't say anything. (Related by Ahmad, Abu Dawud, al-Hakim, ad-Daraqutni, Ibn Hibban and al-Bukhari in mu'allaq form.) This example illustrated the Prophet's tacit approval.

Sahih Al-Bukhari Hadith
Hadith 1.228 Narrated by
Aisha

Fatima bint Abi Hubaish came to the Prophet and said, "O Allah's Apostle I get persistent bleeding from the uterus and do not become clean. Shall I give up my prayers?" Allah's Apostle replied, "No, because it is from a blood vessel and not the menses. So when your real menses begins give up your prayers and when it has finished wash off the blood (take a bath) and offer your prayers." Hisham (the sub narrator) narrated that his father had also said, (the Prophet told her): "Perform ablution for every prayer till the time of the next period comes."

Sahih Muslim Hadith
Hadith 643 Narrated by
Umm Salamah

I said: Messenger of Allah, I am a woman who has closely plaited hair on my head; should I undo it for taking a bath, because of sexual intercourse? He (the Prophet) said: No, it is enough for you to throw three handfuls of water on your head and then pour water over yourself, and you shall be purified.

Biographies of Companions
Fatimah bint Muhammad

…..One morning, early in the month of Ramadan, just less than five month after her noble father had passed away, Fatimah woke up looking unusually happy and full of mirth. In the afternoon of that day, it is said that she called Salma bint Umays who was looking after her. She asked for some water and had a bath. She then put on new clothes and perfumed herself. She then asked Salma to put her bed in the courtyard of the house. With her face looking to the heavens above, she asked for her husband Ali.

He was taken aback when he saw her lying in the middle of the courtyard and asked her what was wrong. She smiled and said: "I have an appointment today with the Messenger of God."

Ali cried and she tried to console him. She told him to look after their sons al-Hasan and al-Husayn and advised that she should be buried without ceremony. She gazed upwards again, then closed her eyes and surrendered her soul to the Mighty Creator.

She, Fatimah the Resplendent One, was just twenty nine years old.