Full body ablution (Ghusl) refers to an Islamic ritual in which an adult (Mukallaf) Muslim is recommended to wash his/her full-body with specific rulings. 

In this article, we will explain different types of full-body ablution (Ghusl) and their rulings.

Different types of full body ablution (Ghusl)

Muslim jurists have driven the rules of full-body ablution (Ghusl) based on different verses of the Quran and different narrations and traditions. The main verse of the Quran that is referred to in deriving the rules of full-body ablution (Ghusl) is the following: 

“O you who have faith! Do not approach prayer when you are intoxicated, [not] until you know what you are saying, nor [enter mosques] in the state of ritual impurity until you have washed yourselves, except while passing through. But if you are sick or on a journey, or any of you has come from the toilet, or you have touched women, and you cannot find water, then make your full-body ablution on clean ground and wipe a part of your faces and your hands. Indeed Allah is all-excusing, all-forgiving.” (4:43)

Based on the above verse, Muslim jurists have provided the following rules for full-body ablution (Ghusl):

The obligation of full body ablution (Ghusl)

Different types of full-body ablution (Ghusl) can be categorized as follows: 

1-    The obligatory full body ablution (Ghusl) common between men and women:

a)    The full-body ablution (Ghusl) for ritual impurity (Janabah)
b)    The full-body ablution (Ghusl) for touching a corpse (Mass al-Mayyit)
c)     The full-body ablution (Ghusl) given to a corpse (Mayyit) 
d)     The full-body ablution (Ghusl) that becomes obligatory on the account of a vow (Nazr), oath (Qassam), etc.

2-    The obligatory full body ablution (Ghusl) for women: 

a)     The full-body ablution (Ghusl) for menstruation (Haydh)
b)      The full-body ablution (Ghusl) for lochia (Nifas)
c)      The full-body ablution (Ghusl) for irregular blood discharge (Istihadhah) [1]

3-    Recommended full body ablution (Ghusl)

There are some specific times that Muslims are recommended to perform full-body ablution (Ghusl), for example, the Friday Full-body ablution (Ghusl-e Jum’ah), or the full-body ablution (Ghusl) that are recommended to perform on specific Islamic occasions such as the nights of decree. (Laylatul Qadr). [2]

How to perform full body ablution (Ghusl)?

There are two methods to perform full-body ablution (Ghusl) that will be described in this part. The first thing to do before starting the full-body ablution (Ghusl) is to make an intention for it. However, it is not necessary to perform a separate full-body ablution (Ghusl) for different intentions. 
If there are several recommended (Mustahab) or obligatory full-body ablutions (Ghusl) to be performed and one performs one full-body ablution (Ghusl) with the intention of performing all of them, it is sufficient. However, if one of them is full-body ablution (Ghusl) of ritual impurity (Janabah) and the intention is made to perform it, it suffices for all other full-body ablutions (Ghusl), although caution is to make the intention for all of them. [3]

The methods of full body ablution (Ghusl)

1-    Sequential full-body ablution (Ghusl-e Tartibi)

In sequential full-body ablution (Ghusl), one must – based on obligatory precaution – first, with the intention of full-body ablution (Ghusl), wash the entire head and neck and then the entire body. It is better to first wash the right side of the body, then the left. If one intentionally or due to being negligent in learning the laws of full-body ablution (Ghusl)does not wash the entire head and neck before washing the body, then based on obligatory precaution his full-body ablution (Ghusl)is invalid. Furthermore, based on obligatory precaution, when performing full-body ablution (Ghusl), it is not sufficient to make the intention of full-body ablution (Ghusl) when moving the head, neck, or body while they are already under the flow of water; rather, the part that one wants to perform full-body ablution (Ghusl)on – on the condition that it is already under the flow of water – must be taken out from under the flow of water and then washed with the intention of full-body ablution (Ghusl). [4] 

2-    Immersive full-body ablution (Ghusl-e Irtimasi) can be performed in two ways:

a)    Instantaneous (Daf’i): 

In this type of full-body ablution (Ghusl) water must cover the entire body in one go. However, it is not necessary for the entire body to be out of the water before starting the full-body ablution (Ghusl): rather it will suffice if part of the body is out of the water and the person goes under the water completely with the intention of performing full-body ablution (Ghusl). An example of instantaneous immersive full-body ablution (Ghusl)is when a person, with the int¬ention of performing full-body ablution (Ghusl), dives/jumps into a swimming pool and in doing so completely immerses himself in the water; or, the person may already be partly immersed in the water and he then completely immerses himself with the intention of full-body ablution (Ghusl). [5]

b)    Gradual (Tadriji)

In gradual immersive full-body ablution (Ghusl), one must gradually – but in a way that can be commonly considered to be one unified action – immerse his body in water with the intention of full-body ablution (Ghusl). In this type of full-body ablution (Ghusl), it is necessary for each part of the body to be out of the water before it is washed. An example of gradual immersive full-body ablution (Ghusl) is when a person, with the intention of performing full-body ablution (Ghusl), immerses part of his body in a bath tub of water and then takes that part out of the water; then, he immerses another part of his body and takes it out, and so on until all the parts of his body have been immersed. [6]

Water requirements for full body ablution (Ghusl)

The water that is permissible for full-body ablution (Ghusl) can be Rainwater, Well water, water from spring, sea, or river water, water of melting snow or hail, water of a big tank or pond. Ghusl is not allowed with unclean or impure water or water extracted from fruit and trees. [7] 

References: 

1. Obligatory (wājib) ritual bathing (ghusl) » Introduction
2. Ghusl
3. Rules of Ghusl
4. Obligatory baths (Ghusl) » Sequential ritual bathing (al-ghusl al-tartībī)
5. Obligatory baths (Ghusl) » Immersive ritual bathing (al-ghusl al-irtimāsī)
6. obligatory baths
7. Imam Khomeini, Risalah Tozih al-Masa’el, p. 39-40

1. Observe Justice

If you observe justice about yourself, you will be trusted in judging others.
Muhammad ibn Ya'qub al-Kulayni, al-Kafi, vol.2, p.146.

2. The time of Injustice and Treachery

At a time when you see nothing but injustice and treachery, trusting anyone (unheedingly) brings wretchedness. 
Ibn Shu’bah, Tuhaf al-Uqul, p.357. 

3. Constant Calamities 

Following a calamity after another is the herald of liberation from them.
Ibn Shu’bah, Tuhaf al-Uqul, p.357.

4. Investing Your Trust

Do not invest your trust fully on your friend, since if you fail and lose everything because of dedicating all your love and trust to one person, you could hardly survive its disastrous outcomes.  
Ibn Shu’bah, Tuhaf al-Uqul, p.357.

5. Islam, Faith, Assurance 

Islam is the basis on which faith is founded, and then on faith, assurance is built. People hardly reach the last level, that is assurance. 
Ibn Shu’bah, Tuhaf al-Uqul, p.358.

6. This World

Losing your heart to this world brings you pain and grief while being indifferent and pious to it brings peace to your heart and soul. 
Ibn Shu’bah, Tuhaf al-Uqul, p.358.

7. Three Characteristics of a Believer 

The believer finds righteousness in three characteristics: a deep understanding of the religion, avoiding excessiveness in life, and forbearing the hardships. 
 Ibn Shu’bah, Tuhaf al-Uqul, p.358.

8. Allah's Blessings 

Allah bestows His blessings upon a group of people, and it is turned into burdens on them due to their ingratitude; yet, He inflicts others with calamities, and they turn into blessings due to their forbearance. 
Ibn Shu’bah, Tuhaf al-Uqul, p.359.

9. How to Treat Your Family according to Imam Sadiq (AS)

Whoever does good to his family, Allah prolongs his life. 
 Muhammad ibn Ya'qub al-Kulayni, al-Kafi, vol.8, p.219. 

10. Making Friends

Meet and make friends with someone who elevates and honors you, not the one whose only purpose is to benefit from you and is pretentious. 
Al-Hurr al-Amili, Wasa'il al-Shia, Vol.11, p.412. 

11. Greetings 

Saying hello is a recommended act (Mustahab) while responding to it is obligatory (Wajib). 
Ibn Shu’bah, Tuhaf al-Uqul, p.360.

12. Be Resistant 

Whoever manifests resistance at times of anger, greed, fear, and lust, Allah will protect his/her body against the fire of hell. 
Ibn Shu’bah, Tuhaf al-Uqul, p.361.

13. Well-being 

Well-being is a less valued blessing; it is forgotten when one is blessed with it, yet it will be reminded of as soon as it is gone. 
Ibn Shu’bah, Tuhaf al-Uqul, p.361.

14. Comfort and Hardship

In comfort, Allah blesses you with His beneficence and excellence, and in hardship, the chance of purging [from your sins]. 
 Ibn Shu’bah, Tuhaf al-Uqul, p.361.

15. Water 

Do not pollute the water that people need. 
Abu Ja'far Muhammad Ibn Hasan Tusi, Tahdhib al-Ahkam, vol.1, p.185.

16. Moderation

Allah loves moderation and hates wastefulness.
Muhammad ibn Ya'qub al-Kulayni, al-Kafi, vol.4, p.52.

17. Wastefulness 

The least act of wastefulness is throwing away the remaining of [food or drink].
Muhammad ibn Ya'qub al-Kulayni, al-Kafi, vol.6, p.460.

18. The Weather 

If the weather were always bright and sunny, the earth would turn dry, and the plants would burn off the heat; the water in lakes and rivers would go down, and people would suffer; the weather would be hot and dry, and an unknown kind of sickness would emerge. 
 Mohammad-Baqer Majlesi, Bihar al-Anwar, vol.3, p.125.

19. Muslim Friends 

Between two Muslim friends, the one that loves the other is the better one.
Muhammad ibn Ya'qub al-Kulayni, al-Kafi, vol.3, p.193.

20.The Elderly and Children 

Respect the elderly and be kind to the children.
Muhammad ibn Ya'qub al-Kulayni, al-Kafi, vol.2, p.165.

21. A Joyful Life 

Life is joyful with three things: clean air, plentiful and pure water, and a soft land [ready for planting]. 
Ibn Shu’bah, Tuhaf al-Uqul, p.320.

22.Washing Hands

Wash your hands before and after eating. 
Ahmad b. Muhammad b. Khalid al-Barqi, Al-Mahasin, vol.1, p.425.

23. Be Careful About What You Wear

Do not wear clothes that attract much attention, neither clothes, which debases you. 
Muhammadi Reyshahri, Mizan al-Hikma, hadith no. 18080. 

24. Brush Your Teeth

Brushing teeth is among the manners of prophets.
Muhammadi Reyshahri, Mizan al-Hikma, hadith no. 9053.

25. On Expressing Your Opinions 

Do not be the first person who expresses his/her opinion when asking for a consult and avoid suggesting naïve views. 
Muhammadi Reyshahri, Mizan al-Hikma, hadith no. 9868.

26. Paying the Wages of a Worker 

Pay the workers' wages before their sweats are dried [ i.e., right after they have finished their work]. 
Muhammad ibn Ya'qub al-Kulayni, al-Kafi, vol.5, p.289.

27. Manners toward Your Teacher 

Be humble in the presence of the one from whom you learned a knowledge.
 Abu Ja'far Muhammad Ibn Hasan Tusi, Tahdhib al-Ahkam, vol.2, p.36.

28. Justice in Imam Sadiq (AS)'s Words 

Justice is more pleasant than the water, which is offered to a thirsty person.
 Muhammad ibn Ya'qub al-Kulayni, al-Kafi, vol.5, p.289.

29. A piece of Advice for Industrialists

Every industrialist has to master three characteristics for his/her work to flourish; he/she has to be expert in his/her job, has to be reliable and meet their superior managers' demands. 
Mohammad-Baqer Majlesi, Bihar al-Anwar, vol.78, p.236.

30. People's Needs 

People need three things; security, justice, and welfare. 
Ibn Shu’bah, Tuhaf al-Uqul, p.320.

31. A Father's Best Legacy 

A father's best legacy for his children is manners, not wealth.
Muhammad ibn Ya'qub al-Kulayni, al-Kafi, vol.8, p.150.

32. Planning 

Planning shapes half of your life. 
Al-Shaykh al-Saduq, Al-Khisal, p.221.

33. Teenagers 

Take care of teenagers since they are more open to absorbing goodness and virtues.
Muhammad ibn Ya'qub al-Kulayni, al-Kafi, vol.8, p.93.

34. Books 

There will be chaotic days when people would not find peace unless within their books.
Muhammad ibn Ya'qub al-Kulayni, al-Kafi, vol.1, p.52.

35. Agriculture 

Agriculture is a precious wealth. 
Muhammad ibn Ya'qub al-Kulayni, al-Kafi, vol.5, p.261.

36. Strengthening Ties 

Strengthen your ties with each other, be kind and generous to each other. 
Muhammad ibn Ya'qub al-Kulayni, al-Kafi, vol.2, p.175.

37. Help Each other 

Any believer who solves another believer's problem, Allah will lift seventy of his/her difficulties in this world and the hereafter. 
Mirza Husayn Nuri, Mustadrak al-wasa'il, vol.12, p.413.

38. Fruit Trees 

Do not cut fruit trees, or you will be inflicted with Allah's torment. 
Muhammad ibn Ya'qub al-Kulayni, al-Kafi, vol.5, p.294.

39. The Best Friend 

My favorite friend is the one who bestows me my faults.
Ibn Shu’bah, Tuhaf al-Uqul, p.366. 

40. Earn Halal Income 

Whoever wishes his/her prayers to be granted, should strive to earn Halal income. 
Mohammad-Baqer Majlesi, Bihar al-Anwar, vol.93, p.373.