What is the methd of Purifying the body from major ritual impurity, Known as Hadath Akbar, and Janabah | Learn About Islam

In Islam, purity (Ṭahārah) is a fundamental requirement for many acts of worship, especially Ṣalāh (prayer), Ṭawāf, and touching the Qur’an. Islam clearly distinguishes between minor ritual impurity (Ḥadath Aṣghar) and major ritual impurity (Ḥadath Akbar).
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The method of purifying oneself from major ritual impurity, which is commonly known as Janābah, is called Ghusl.

Meaning of Ḥadath Akbar (Major Ritual Impurity)

Ḥadath Akbar refers to a state of major ritual impurity that cannot be removed by Wuḍū’ (ablution) alone. It requires a full ritual bath (Ghusl).

A person enters the state of Janābah due to:

Sexual intercourse

Discharge of semen (whether awake or asleep)

Completion of menstruation (Ḥayḍ)

Completion of postnatal bleeding (Nifās)

Until Ghusl is performed, a person is not permitted to:

Offer Ṣalāh

Touch or recite the Qur’an directly

Enter a mosque for worship

What Is Ghusl?

Ghusl is the Islamic method of washing the entire body with the intention of removing major ritual impurity. It is an act of worship and must be done according to the guidance of the Qur’an and Sunnah.

Allah says in the Qur’an:

“And if you are in a state of Janābah, then purify yourselves.”
(Surah Al-Mā’idah 5:6)

Essential Requirements (Farā’iḍ) of Ghusl

According to Islamic teachings, the following are obligatory for Ghusl to be valid:

Niyyah (Intention)

Intention is made in the heart to remove Janābah and attain purity for worship.

It does not need to be spoken aloud.

Washing the Entire Body

Water must reach every part of the body, including:

Hair and scalp

Armpits

Inside the mouth and nose

Between fingers and toes

If even a small part of the body remains dry, the Ghusl is incomplete.

Sunnah Method of Performing Ghusl (Step-by-Step)

The Sunnah method, practiced by Prophet Muhammad ﷺ, is as follows:

Make the intention for Ghusl

Say Bismillāh

Wash both hands three times

Wash the private parts thoroughly

Perform Wuḍū’ as done for prayer (washing feet may be delayed)

Pour water over the head three times, ensuring it reaches the scalp

Wash the right side of the body, then the left side

Ensure no part of the body remains dry

This method is recommended and brings greater reward, though the obligatory acts alone are sufficient for validity.

Wisdom Behind Ghusl

Ghusl is not only physical cleanliness but also spiritual purification. It:

Prepares a believer for worship

Promotes hygiene and health

Instills discipline and mindfulness

Symbolizes renewal and obedience to Allah

Islam beautifully connects physical cleanliness with spiritual purity.