Ruling on Ghusl (Ablution) Following Janabah
The act of performing Ghusl after experiencing Janabah is a mandatory obligation agreed upon by the Muslim community. Allah (SWT) states in the Quran: “And if you are in a state of Janabah, then purify yourselves.” Thus, it is impermissible for any Muslim to neglect the Ghusl of Janabah under any circumstances. A severe warning has been issued regarding those who fail to ensure that water reaches the roots of their hair and all parts of their body during Ghusl. Clearly, completely forgoing this ritual holds greater significance. Furthermore, one who neglects Ghusl may also abandon prayer; this individual commits a major sin and, according to many scholars, may even fall outside the fold of Islam. Alternatively, if one prays while in a state of Janabah, they are also committing a significant sin, and according to the Hanafi school of thought, intentionally praying without purification can lead to disbelief.
Procedure for Performing Ghusl After Janabah
The procedure for Ghusl following Janabah begins with the individual cleaning any impurities from their private parts and washing those areas. Next, they should perform their usual Wudu (ablution) as practiced before prayer, keeping in mind that it is permissible to delay washing the feet until the end of the Ghusl. Subsequently, the individual rinses their head, washes the right side of the body, and then moves on to the left side. After that, they should pour water over the entirety of their body and wash their feet if they have postponed this step. By following this method, the individual aligns with the Sunnah of the Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him), thus earning the reward of following his example and being ready for prayer without requiring additional Wudu.
Ruling on Delaying Ghusl After Janabah
An individual may postpone performing Ghusl after Janabah until they are ready to engage in prayer, even if there is no pressing necessity. The obligation for Ghusl is a non-immediate requirement, coming into effect only at the time of prayer. It is also permissible for someone in a state of Janabah to sleep without having performed Ghusl first; however, it is recommended for them to perform Wudu prior to resting. As Ibn Abdul Barr noted, the majority of scholars agree that it is a preferable practice for a person in a state of Janabah to make Wudu before sleeping, while the Dhahiri school maintains that it is obligatory, which is a minority viewpoint.