Situations of Janabah that Require Ghusl
Islamic scholars have outlined various situations of janabah (ritual impurity) that necessitate performing ghusl. One prominent scenario is sexual intercourse, even if ejaculation does not occur. The prophetic tradition (hadith) supports this, as the Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) stated: “If a man sits between the four parts of a woman and then engages in sexual relations, ghusl becomes obligatory.” Imam Nawawi elaborated that both men and women are required to perform ghusl as soon as the penis is inserted into the vagina, regardless of whether semen is emitted, a point on which there is consensus among scholars.
Additionally, the release of semen from either a man or a woman also constitutes janabah. Semen is characterized as a thick, white fluid in men and a thin, yellow fluid in women. A common feature shared by both is that they emit a similar odor and are often followed by a sensation of fatigue. However, the nature of ejaculation differs: in men, it occurs in spurts, while in women, it may flow without the same force. In both cases, the release is accompanied by pleasure. It should be noted that if semen is released without desire—such as from cold exposure or due to illness—ghusl is not required in that particular situation.
Prohibitions for the Janib
Scholars have identified various activities that are prohibited for an individual in a state of janabah. These include performing prayers, be they obligatory or voluntary, as well as circumambulating the Kaaba, which is generally considered equivalent to prayer according to the consensus of Hanbali, Shafi’i, and Maliki schools of thought; however, Hanafi scholars maintain that it is permissible under certain conditions. Moreover, individuals in janabah are restricted from remaining in a mosque or engaging in i’tikaf (spiritual retreat), although Hanbali and Shafi’i scholars, along with some Maliki commentators, permit them to pass through. Furthermore, a person in janabah is not allowed to touch or recite from the Qur’an, nor should they carry it unless it is part of their belongings or they fear it may become impure. The Hanbali school allows the Qur’an to be carried in a cover.
The Wisdom Behind Janabah Regulations
Scholars have articulated several wisdoms and benefits associated with the act of performing ghusl following janabah. Ibn al-Qayyim highlights that ghusl restores vitality, energy, and liveliness to an individual, which may diminish due to the state of janabah. It is commonly recognized that janabah leads to feelings of lethargy and heaviness, which can only be alleviated through the act of ghusl.