Is Ghusl Valid by Simply Immersing in Water, and What Are the Rulings on Wudu, Touching the Private Parts, and Washing After Sleep?
Question
Salaam alaikum warahmatuLlah wabarakaatu. Please I would appreciate some clarification on these matters below. BarakaLlahu feek.
1.) Can you cite the evidence from the Prophet or any of the Companions that simply ensuring water reaches the entire body in ghusl, without performing any of the sunnah actions, is valid? For example, I have heard that simply dipping oneself in a pool or tub of water suffices for ghusl based on Surat al Maidah 5:6.
Is this a valid ghusl?
Do I have wudu after making this ghusl?
What if I touch my back passage during this ghusl? Is my wudu invalid, as I have heard that touching the back passage without desire does not nullify wudu similar to the front passage?
2.) I heard you are supposed to wash the hands and nose three times after sleeping. Is this true?
Is my washing three times valid if done outside of wudu? Meaning if I wake up and wash only my hands and nose three times, do I have to wash three times again during wudu or can I wash only once or twice then?
Also, should I wash three times after every time I sleep regardless of night or day?
Please shed some light as it has been causing serious waswas.
Answer
Alhamdulillah, wassalatu wassalamu ala rasulillah, wa ala alihi wa sahbihi ajmain.
1. The Shar‘i Principle
Allah says:
“If you are in a state of major impurity, then purify yourselves.” (Surat al Maidah 5:6)
This verse establishes the obligation of ghusl but does not stipulate a specific method beyond achieving purification. From this, the jurists understood that the minimum requirement of ghusl is that water reaches the entire body with the intention of lifting major impurity.
It is authentically reported from a number of the Companions, including Ibn Abbas and Ibn Umar, may Allah be pleased with them, that if a person immerses themselves completely in water such that it reaches all parts of the body, this suffices for ghusl. The sunnah actions mentioned in the descriptions of the Prophet’s ghusl explain the best and most complete manner, not a condition for validity.
Therefore, simply immersing oneself in a pool, river, or tub with the intention of ghusl, while ensuring water reaches the entire body including the mouth and nose, is a valid ghusl.
2. Does This Ghusl Also Count as Wudu
According to the majority of scholars, including Shafii schools, a complete ghusl lifts both major and minor impurity if you have intention for both wudua and ghusl. This is because minor impurity is included within major impurity.
Allah did not command a separate wudu after ghusl in Surat al Maidah. Therefore, if a person performs a valid ghusl with the intention of purification, they may pray without performing a separate wudu.
3. Touching the Back Passage During Ghusl
Touching the back passage does not invalidate the ghusl itself.
As for wudu, the sound hadith states:
The Prophet ﷺ said: “Whoever touches his private part, let him perform wudu.” (Abu Dawud and Tirmidhi)
Based on this, Shafi’ scholars and others held that touching the private parts nullifies wudu regardless of desire. However, since ghusl already removes minor impurity, touching the back passage during ghusl does not invalidate the ghusl nor prevent one from praying afterward.
There is no need to repeat the ghusl or fall into doubt over this matter.
4. Washing the Hands and Nose After Sleep
The Prophet ﷺ said:
“When one of you wakes from sleep, let him wash his hands before placing them into the vessel, for he does not know where his hands spent the night.” (Bukhari and Muslim)
This washing is recommended and relates to cleanliness and caution, not to the validity of wudu. Some narrations also mention rinsing the nose.
If a person washes their hands and nose three times after waking, before making wudu, this fulfills the sunnah. When performing wudu afterward, it is sufficient to wash them once, as the obligation is fulfilled with one washing. Repeating three times is recommended but not required.
The majority of scholars understood this instruction to apply primarily to night sleep. Applying it to daytime naps is permissible but not obligatory.
Relevant Usul Principle
اليقين لا يزول بالشك
Certainty is not removed by doubt.
Acts of worship remain valid unless there is clear evidence of invalidation. Excessive doubt and repeated questioning fall under waswas, which Sharia seeks to remove, not reinforce.
Final Ruling
A ghusl is valid if water reaches the entire body with intention, even without performing the sunnah actions. Such a ghusl also suffices for wudu. Touching the private parts during ghusl does not invalidate it. Washing the hands and nose after sleep is recommended, mainly for night sleep, and does not need to be repeated in wudu if already done. Doubts and waswas should be ignored.
And Allah knows best.