How do I do ghusl after my period ends?
Yes, it is simple. Once your period has ended, make the intention to purify yourself, then pour water over your whole body, making sure it reaches the roots of your hair. A normal shower is enough if you do this. After ghusl you pray again as usual.
Before you start
Ghusl comes after you see the sign that the bleeding has stopped, which is either white discharge or complete dryness. How to recognise that moment and which prayers you pray are covered separately. See When can I pray again after my period ends?
The Prophet ﷺ told a woman with irregular bleeding to give up prayer when her real period begins, "and when it has finished, take a bath and start praying" (Sahih al-Bukhari 320).
Step by step
- Make the intention in your heart to purify yourself from the period. You do not need to say it aloud. Say Bismillah.
- Wash your hands.
- Wash your private parts and remove any traces of blood from your body.
- Make wudu as you would for prayer. You can leave your feet until the end.
- Pour water over your head three times, rubbing so it reaches the roots of your hair.
- Wash your whole body, starting with the right side and then the left, rubbing lightly so water reaches everywhere.
- Wash your feet if you left them for last.
What the Prophet ﷺ taught
Asma' asked the Prophet ﷺ how to wash after her period. He told her to cleanse herself well using water mixed with lote leaves, then to pour water on her head and rub it vigorously until it reached the roots of her hair, and then to pour water over herself. Afterwards, she should take a piece of cotton with musk and use it to wipe away any trace of blood (Sahih Muslim 332).
Today, you can use ordinary soap or shampoo and any gentle fragrance. The point is cleanliness and freshness. Allah loves those who keep themselves clean:
Braids, long hair and the shower
Water has to reach the scalp, but you do not have to undo braids. Umm Salama asked whether she should undo her tightly plaited hair, and the Prophet ﷺ told her it was enough to pour three handfuls of water on her head and then pour water over herself (Sahih Muslim 330). That hadith is about the bath after intimacy, and many scholars apply it to ghusl after a period as well. Some Hanbali scholars recommend loosening braids after a period. See Can I do ghusl with braided hair?
The minimum that makes ghusl valid is the intention and water reaching the whole body. Each school adds a few extra details. See How do I do ghusl?
- Do ghusl once the bleeding has stopped, then start praying (Sahih al-Bukhari 320).
- Make the intention, wash the whole body and reach the roots of your hair.
- A normal shower counts if it follows these steps.
- You do not have to undo braids if water reaches the scalp (Sahih Muslim 330).
People also ask
How do I make wudu on an airplane?
Yes, you can make wudu on an airplane using the lavatory sink, or do tayammum if you cannot reach water. Here is a simple routine for flights.
Read the full answer →How do I make wudu if I use a wheelchair?
Yes, wheelchair users can make wudu in a way that suits their body, using a jug, an accessible sink, help from others or tayammum when needed.
Read the full answer →How do I deal with waswasa in wudu and ghusl?
Waswasa in wudu and ghusl is a test, not a sin. Seek refuge in Allah, wash once, stop repeating and get help if doubts take over your day.
Read the full answer →Does wudu have to be done in order?
It depends on the school: Shafi'i and Hanbali say order is required in wudu, while Hanafi and Maliki say it is a sunnah. Keeping the order is best.
Read the full answer →Does swimming count as ghusl?
Swimming counts as ghusl only if you intend it and water reaches your whole body, including your hair roots. A casual swim does not count.
Read the full answer →