Ghusl (Arabic: غسل Ġusl , IPA: [ˈɣʊsl]) is an Arabic term referring to the full-body ritual purification mandatory before the performance of various rituals and prayers, for any adult Muslim after having sexual intercourse, ejaculation[1][2] or completion of the menstrual cycle,[3] although wudu or just sleep, without either, are the lesser stages of purity that is acceptable.[4]
The washing is also recommended but not required (i.e. it is mustahabb) before Jumu’ah[5] and Eid[disambiguation needed][6] prayers, before entering the ihram in preparation for Hajj, after having lost consciousness and after formally converting. Shia Muslims also perform the ablution before Namaz-e-tawbah (Prayer of Repentance).
Ghusl is often translated as “full ablution”, as opposed to the “partial ablution” of wudu وضوء that Muslims perform after lesser impurities such as urination, defecation, breaking wind, deep sleep, and light bleeding.
Please Watch | How to take Ghusl : Ritual bath in Islam | Shawana A. Aziz
Types of ghusl by purpose
Ghusl becomes obligatory for seven causes, and the ghusl for each of these different causes has different names:[8]
- Ghusl Janabat is ghusl performed after sexual intercourse or ejaculation.
- Ghusl Hayd is following menstruation.
- Ghusl Istihadad is for irregular bleeding (in women).
- Ghusl Nifas is for post-partum bleeding.
- Ghusl Mayyit is ghusl performed on a dead Muslim.
- Ghusl Mase Mayyit becomes obligatory if one directly touches a dead body.
- Ghusl also becomes obligatory following a vow or oath to perform it.
Source: Wikipedia
