To perform ghusl (ritual full-body purification in Islam), follow these steps:
- Make the intention (niyyah) in your heart to purify yourself for the sake of Allah.
- Say Bismillah (in the name of Allah) to begin.
- Wash your hands thoroughly three times.
- Wash the private parts to remove any impurity.
- Perform wudu (ablution) as you would for prayer, including washing the mouth and nose.
- Pour water over your head three times, ensuring the water reaches the roots of your hair.
- Wash your entire body thoroughly, starting with the right side and then the left, making sure no part is left dry.
- Wash your feet, including between the toes.
It is important to ensure water reaches every part, including under the hair and behind the ears, without any gaps or interruptions. The sequence and thoroughness are based on traditional Sunni and Shia guidelines, and some recommend reciting specific prayers during the process. This process can be done sequentially (washing parts in order) or by immersion (full body submerged in water). Make sure the water is clean and there is privacy during ghusl. These steps follow the Sunnah of the Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) for ghusl and are recommended for physical and spiritual purification before prayer or other acts of worship requiring purity.
