Islam places great value on cleanliness. Ghusl is the full-body wash, and tayammum is the easy alternative Allah gave when water cannot be used.
When is ghusl required?
After marital relations or a wet dream, at the end of menstruation and post-natal bleeding, and for a new Muslim according to many scholars. It is recommended before Friday prayer and Eid.
الطُّهُورُ شَطْرُ الإِيمَانِ
“Purification is half of faith.”
How to perform ghusl
Following the description of Aisha (Bukhari 248):
- Intention and Bismillah
- Wash the hands and private parts
- Perform a full wudu
- Pour water over the head three times
- Wash the whole body, starting with the right side
Tayammum: when there is no water
If water is unavailable or harmful to use, strike clean earth lightly with the palms and wipe the face, then the hands. Allah says: "…and you find no water, then seek clean earth" (Quran 4:43). Scholars of the four schools differ on some details; ask your teacher about the view you follow. Learn more in our Islamic studies classes.
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Short Quran lessons, recitations and tips every week.
Topics covered in this guide
- how to perform ghusl
- tayammum steps
- purification in Islam
- Islamic studies online
Knowledge check
One-question quick quiz
If a fasting person eats by mistake, what should they do?
Frequently asked
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