Ghusl (غسل) is the complete ritual bath in Islam that purifies a Muslim from major ritual impurity (Janabah). Allah has made Ghusl obligatory in certain situations so that a believer can return to a state of purity and perform acts of worship such as Salah, reciting the Qur’an (according to scholarly opinions), and Tawaf.
This guide explains the complete Sunnah method of Ghusl in detail based on authentic Hadith.
Step 1: Make the Intention (Niyyah)
Before beginning Ghusl, make the intention in your heart that you are performing Ghusl to remove major impurity and attain purity for the sake of Allah.
For example, you may intend:
“I intend to perform Ghusl to purify myself from Janabah for the pleasure of Allah.”
Important Note
- The intention is only in the heart.
- There is no authentic dua or verbal statement for Niyyah from the Prophet ﷺ.
Step 2: Say “Bismillah”
Arabic
بِسْمِ اللّٰهِ
Transliteration
Bismillāh
Meaning
In the Name of Allah.
Description
Before beginning Ghusl, say “Bismillah” (In the Name of Allah). Saying “Bismillah” before Ghusl is recommended (Mustahabb). If you forget to say it, your Ghusl is still valid.
Step 3: Wash Both Hands Three Times
Wash both hands thoroughly up to the wrists.
- Wash the right hand three times.
- Wash the left hand three times.
- Rub between the fingers.
- Ensure water reaches the entire hand.
This removes any dirt or impurity before touching other parts of the body.
Step 4: Wash the Private Parts
Using your left hand, wash the private parts carefully.
This step removes any physical impurity (Najasah) that may be present.
After cleaning:
- Wash your left hand again with water.
- Soap may be used if desired, although it is not required for the validity of Ghusl.
Take care to clean thoroughly while maintaining modesty.
Step 5: Perform Complete Wudu
Perform Wudu exactly as you would before Salah.
1. Rinse the Mouth Three Times
Take water into your mouth.
Move it around thoroughly.
Spit it out.
Repeat three times.
This ensures cleanliness inside the mouth.
2. Rinse the Nose Three Times
Take water into the nostrils gently.
Blow it out using the left hand.
Repeat three times.
This is an emphasized Sunnah and considered necessary by many scholars for a complete Ghusl.
3. Wash the Face Three Times
Wash from:
- Hairline
- Chin
- Ear to ear
Rub gently so every part of the face becomes wet.
4. Wash the Right Arm Three Times
Wash from fingertips up to and including the elbow.
Rub the arm while washing.
5. Wash the Left Arm Three Times
Repeat the same method.
Ensure no area remains dry.
6. Wipe the Head (Masah)
Wet both hands.
Wipe from the front of the head to the back and return to the front in one motion.
7. Wipe the Ears
Using the same wet hands:
- Clean inside the ears with the index fingers.
- Wipe the outside using the thumbs.
8. Wash the Feet
Wash the right foot first.
Then wash the left foot.
Clean between every toe.
If you are standing in a place where water gathers beneath your feet, you may delay washing the feet until the end of Ghusl. This was practiced by the Prophet ﷺ on some occasions.
Step 6: Pour Water Over the Head Three Times
Now pour water over the head.
First Pour
Pour enough water so that it reaches the scalp.
Massage the scalp gently.
Second Pour
Pour water again.
Run your fingers through the hair.
Ensure water reaches the roots.
Third Pour
Pour water one final time.
Check that every part of the head is wet.
For Men
Men should ensure water reaches every part of the hair and scalp.
For Women
Women do not have to undo braided hair if water reaches the roots. However, if the braids prevent water from reaching the scalp, they should be loosened.
Step 7: Wash the Entire Right Side of the Body
Following the Sunnah, begin with the right side.
Wash:
- Right shoulder
- Right arm
- Right side of chest
- Right side of back
- Right waist
- Right thigh
- Right knee
- Right leg
- Right ankle
- Right foot
Rub the body with your hand while pouring water.
Do not rush.
Step 8: Wash the Entire Left Side of the Body
Repeat exactly the same process for the left side.
Wash every area carefully.
The Prophet ﷺ preferred beginning with the right side in acts of purification whenever possible.
Step 9: Ensure Water Reaches Every Part of the Body
This is one of the most important parts of Ghusl.
Check carefully that water reaches:
- Hair roots
- Entire scalp
- Behind both ears
- Neck
- Under the beard (if thick)
- Under both armpits
- Between fingers
- Between toes
- Inside the navel
- Behind the knees
- Around the ankles
- All skin folds
- Every part of the back
- Any area covered by dense hair
If even a small area remains dry intentionally, the Ghusl is incomplete until that area is washed.
Step 10: Wash the Feet (If Delayed Earlier)
If you delayed washing the feet during Wudu, wash them now.
Wash:
- Right foot completely.
- Left foot completely.
- Between all the toes.
- Around the heels and ankles.
Now your Ghusl is complete, and you are in a state of ritual purity (Taharah), provided all the obligatory parts have been fulfilled.
Authentic Hadith About the Prophet’s ﷺ Ghusl
Aishah (رضي الله عنها) narrated:
“When the Messenger of Allah ﷺ performed Ghusl because of Janabah, he began by washing his hands. Then he poured water with his right hand over his left and washed his private parts. Then he performed Wudu as for prayer. Then he took water and ran his fingers through the roots of his hair until he was sure the water had reached the scalp. Then he poured three handfuls of water over his head and then washed the rest of his body.”
(Sahih al-Bukhari & Sahih Muslim)
Summary of the Sunnah Method
- Make Niyyah in the heart.
- Say Bismillah.
- Wash both hands three times.
- Wash the private parts.
- Perform complete Wudu.
- Pour water over the head three times.
- Wash the right side of the body.
- Wash the left side of the body.
- Ensure water reaches every part of the body.
- Wash the feet at the end if they were delayed during Wudu.
This is the complete Sunnah method of performing Ghusl, following the authentic teachings of the Prophet Muhammad ﷺ.