The principles of Ghusl (taking bath)

A brief summary of the principles of Ghuslis as follows:
First,A Muslim should make his/her intention for purification, then
wash the privateparts. Then make Wudhoo' (ablution) like theWudhoo'
done for prayer, then pour water on hisright side, then the left side.
Then water should be poured on his head,covering the entire body with
water. It is also reported in the Sunnah (narrations of the Prophet
Muhammad ) that washing the feet should be delayed until the end of
the Ghusl.
It is reported onthe authority of Aa'ishah who said that theMessenger
of Allaah when performing Ghusl from Janaabah (ritual impurity), used
to wash his hands, then wash his private parts with his left hand.
After that he performed Wudhoo' like that for prayer. Next, he took
some water and ran his fingers inthe roots of his hair until he
usedthree handfulsof water on his head. He would then go on pouring
water on the rest of his bodyand wash his legs. [Muslim]
1. The person taking a bath should first of all wash both hands up to
the wrists, and then wash the private parts. The hands and private
parts should be washed irrespective of whether there is any impurity
on them or not. Both these have to be washed under all conditions.
Thereafter, any impurity found onthe rest of the body should be
washed. Then make Wudhoo'. If one is sitting on a stool or stone while
bathing, then the feet should also be washed when making Wudhoo'. But
if one is sitting in a place where the wateraccumulates and he will
have to wash the feet again after completing the Ghusl, then the
entire Wudhoo' should be made but the feet should not be washed.
After performing Wudhoo', pour water on the head three times.
Thereafter pour water over the right and left shoulders three times
each in such a way that water reaches the entire body. Thereafter move
from this place and go to a clean spot and wash the feet. If the feet
were washed when making Wudhoo' there willbe no need to wash them
again.
2. Whilst pouring water over the body the first time, rub the body
well so that water reaches everywhere properly and no placeremains
dry.
3. The above method of Ghusl is according to the Sunnah. Some ofthe
items explained above are Fardh (obligatory) without which Ghusl will
not be complete and the person will remain impure. Some other items
are Sunnah (recommended but not obligatory). Observing them entails
reward, and by not carrying them out, Ghusl will still be complete.
The Fardh acts are only three:
(a) To gargle the mouth in such a way that water reaches everywhere.
(b) To wash the nose up to the soft bone.
(c) To pour water over the entire body.
4. While bathing, one should not face the Qiblah (direction of the
Ka'bah). Too much water should not be used, nor should so little be
used that one is unable to wash thoroughly. The bath should be taken
at such a place that no one can see the bather. One should not talk
while bathing; he should cover himself up first and then wash the
feet.
5. If the bathing place is secludedwhere no one can see, then it is
permissible to bathe naked, irrespective of whether one is standing or
sitting and irrespective of whether the roof is covered or not.
However, it is better to sit and bathe because there is more modesty
in this. To expose the body from the navel to the knees before anyone
is a sin. Many women bath completely naked in the presenceof other
women. This is a very evil and shameful act.
6. Even if an area equal to a hair's breadth is left dry, Ghusl will
not be complete. In the same way, if one forgets to gargle the mouth
or wash the nose, Ghusl will not be complete.
7. If a woman pours water on herhead three times, that will be
sufficient and she does not need to undo the braids. This is based on
the Hadeeth (narration) of Umm Salamah . It is narratedthat she asked
the Prophet :"I am a woman with braided hair; should I undo it when
doingGhusl for Janaabah?" He answered: "No, rather it will be
sufficient for you to pour three handfuls of water on your head, then
pour water over yourself and you will be purified." [Muslim].Unless
the Ghusl is after the menses, then she has to undo the braids and
wash her hair thoroughly.