How to wash yourself after your period in a healthy way and stay fresh
The menstrual cycle is a natural and important part of every girl’s and woman’s life. It requires special care to maintain personal hygiene and stay comfortable. Proper cleansing throughout your period can help reduce discomfort and address the specific needs of this time. Maintaining good hygiene prevents infections and unwanted odors, keeping you feeling fresh and confident. article, we’ll discuss how to properly cleanse yourself after your period. Let’s get started!
Q: Should ghusl (ritual purification) be done before or after prayer?
A: In Islam, it is preferred to perform ghusl before prayer to ensure purity and readiness for worship. However, the important thing is that the body is clean and free from any impurities before praying.
Q: What can be used for ghusl after menstruation?
A: Clean water is the main requirement for ghusl. You can also use soap or mild scented products, but they should be gentle and suitable for the sensitive area to maintain its natural balance.
Q: Is it necessary to wash my hair during menstruation?
A: No, it is not necessary to wash your hair while on your period unless you feel the need to do so. You can wait until your period ends and wash it afterward.
Q: Does ghusl after menstruation affect fasting?
A: No, ghusl after menstruation does not affect fasting in any way. You can continue fasting normally after purifying yourself.
Q: Is it necessary to perform ghusl immediately after menstruation ends?
A: It is not required to perform ghusl immediately after your period ends. You can wait until you are sure that your menstruation has completely stopped and that you feel ready to purify yourself.
Q: Can I delay ghusl after menstruation to confirm purity?
A: Yes, you can delay ghusl for a short while to confirm that your period has completely ended. It is recommended to use a clean tissue or cloth to check for dryness before performing ghusl. However, unnecessary delays are not recommended.
Q: Do I have to remove body hair before ghusl after menstruation?
A: No, removing body hair before ghusl is not required. In Islam, the most important thing is that water reaches all parts of the body, including the scalp and hair. Hair removal is a personal choice, and if you prefer to do it for cleanliness or to make water reach the skin easily, that is fine, but it is not obligatory.
Q: Is standing under the shower enough for ghusl after menstruation?
A: Yes, standing under the shower can be sufficient if done correctly. Water must reach all parts of the body, especially areas that might be harder to reach, such as between the thighs and the lower abdomen. It is best to wash the body in an orderly manner, starting with the head and then the rest of the body, ensuring that every part is properly washed. If you are unsure whether water has reached all areas, you should rinse again.
Q: Can I take a regular shower instead of performing ghusl after menstruation?
A: Yes, you can take a normal shower instead of a separate ghusl, as long as it is done properly. The shower must be thorough, ensuring that water reaches the entire body, including the hair, scalp, and areas that are difficult to reach. It is also important to clean the private area well. If your shower covers all these steps, then it counts as a valid ghusl.
Q: Can I perform ghusl from menstruation in a regular way?
A: Yes, you can perform ghusl in a regular way, as long as water reaches the entire body, including the hair, scalp, and any hidden areas. The most important thing is to ensure that there are no traces of blood after washing. If the body is completely clean, then the ghusl is valid.
Q: Does a normal shower count as ghusl after menstruation?
A: Yes, it does, but only if water reaches all parts of the body, including the head, hair, and difficult areas like between the thighs. It is also essential to clean the private area thoroughly during the shower. If all these steps are done correctly, then a normal shower is sufficient as ghusl after menstruation.
Q: Why do women feel relaxed and happy after ghusl from menstruation?
A: After menstruation ends and ghusl is performed, women often feel a great sense of relief because their body returns to its natural state. This is due to several benefits of ghusl, including:
- Improved blood circulation and restored body energy.
- Maintaining hygiene and preventing discoloration or infections in the sensitive area.
- Better mood due to hormonal balance after menstruation.
- Purifying the body and removing old blood, leading to a sense of cleanliness and freshness.
Q: What is ghusl from menstruation?
A: Ghusl from menstruation is the complete cleansing of the body with water after the menstrual cycle ends. In Islam, this ghusl is obligatory for every Muslim woman so she can resume praying, fasting, and reading the Quran. Additionally, it is an important part of maintaining personal hygiene and preparing for acts of worship properly.
What are the conditions for ghusl after menstruation?
Before starting ghusl, you need to ensure a few things to make it valid:
Stopping of Blood Flow
You must confirm that your period has completely ended before performing ghusl. It is not valid if there is still blood discharge.
Intention (Niyyah)
Intention is essential for any act of worship. You should have a firm intention in your heart that you are performing ghusl for purification and readiness for worship.
Washing the Entire Body
Proper ghusl requires washing the whole body, ensuring that water reaches all areas, including the hair, ears, between the fingers, and any hidden spots.
Saying "Bismillah" Before Starting
It is Sunnah to say "Bismillah" before beginning ghusl. It is also recommended to perform the ghusl in a comfortable place to complete the process properly.
What Should a Woman Do If There Is No Water for Purification?
If your period has ended but there is no water available for ghusl, Islam provides an alternative – Tayammum (dry purification) using clean dust or sand until water is available.
When Can a Woman Perform Tayammum Instead of Ghusl?
- If water is completely unavailable (e.g., in a place with no water access or during a water outage).
- If using water would harm your health (e.g., if you have a medical condition that worsens with water).
- If water is scarce and needed only for drinking.
Islam considers such situations and allows Tayammum until water becomes available.
Is It Permissible to Pray During Menstruation?
No, it is not allowed to pray while menstruating, as a woman in this state is not in a state of purity, and purity is a requirement for prayer.
Evidence:
The Prophet ﷺ said:
"Isn't it true that when a woman menstruates, she does not pray or fast?" (Narrated by Al-Bukhari & Muslim)
This means that a menstruating woman is excused from prayer and does not have to make up missed prayers after her period ends, unlike fasting, which must be made up.
Do Women Need to Make Up Missed Prayers After Menstruation?
No, there is no requirement to make up missed prayers, as this is a mercy from Allah. This is what the Prophet ﷺ taught his companions.
Evidence:
Lady Aisha (RA) said:
"During the time of the Prophet ﷺ, we used to menstruate, and after purification, we were ordered to make up the fast but not the prayers." (Narrated by Muslim)
✔ So after your period ends, you do not need to make up missed prayers. However, you must perform a proper ghusl before resuming prayer.
What Can You Do Instead of Praying During Menstruation?
Even though you cannot pray, there are many ways to stay connected to Allah:
- Dhikr and Istighfar: Say SubhanAllah, Alhamdulillah, La ilaha illa Allah, Allahu Akbar, Astaghfirullah.
- Dua (Supplication): Ask Allah for anything you need; He is generous and listens to all prayers.
- Listening to and Reflecting on the Quran: You can listen to the Quran or read it from your phone without touching the Mushaf.
- Sending Salawat upon the Prophet ﷺ: This brings peace of mind and great rewards.
Menstruation is an opportunity to grow spiritually in different ways, so make the most of it with other acts of worship!
Signs of Purity After Menstruation
✔ Dryness and Stopping of Blood: There should be no blood, brown, or yellowish discharge. Scholars agree that if menstruation exceeds 10 days, the remaining days are considered irregular bleeding (Istihadah). Some scholars extend this period to 15 days as a maximum.
✔ Appearance of the White Discharge (Al-Qassah Al-Bayda’)
This is a clear or slightly yellowish discharge that confirms menstruation has ended. If any blood or yellow discharge appears after this, it is not menstruation and does not require another ghusl.
✔ Blood After Purity: If you see blood again after confirming purity and it aligns with your usual menstrual cycle, it is considered a new period, and ghusl must be performed again.
Dua for Purification After Menstruation
"Ashhadu an la ilaha illa Allah, wahdahu la sharika lah, wa anna Muhammadan abduhu wa rasuluh. Allahumma aj‘alni min al-tawwabin, wa aj‘alni min al-mutatahhirin, wa aj‘alni min ‘ibadika al-salihin. Subhanaka Allahumma wa bihamdik, ashhadu an la ilaha illa ant, astaghfiruka Allahumma wa atubu ilayk."
(I bear witness that there is no god but Allah alone, with no partner, and that Muhammad is His servant and Messenger. O Allah, make me among those who repent, among those who purify themselves, and among Your righteous servants. Glory be to You, O Allah, and with Your praise, I bear witness that there is no god but You. I seek Your forgiveness and repent to You.)
Types of Purity for Prayer
Purification is a mandatory condition for prayer, and one cannot pray while in a state of minor or major impurity.
✔ There are two types of purity:
- Purity from Ritual Impurity (Hadath) – Removing unseen spiritual impurities.
- Purity from Physical Impurity (Najasa) – Cleaning the body, clothes, or place from visible filth.
1. Purity from Ritual Impurity
There are two types of ritual impurity:
- Minor impurity (Hadath Asghar) – Requires wudu (ablution).
- Major impurity (Hadath Akbar) – Requires ghusl (full body washing).
Minor Impurity & Its Causes
Minor impurity occurs due to:
- Passing wind.
- Urinating or defecating.
- Touching the private parts without a barrier.
- Deep sleep.
- Eating camel meat.
How to purify from minor impurity?
Perform wudu (ablution) by washing specific parts of the body with water to be ready for prayer.
Steps of Proper Wudu (Ablution)
✔ Intention in the heart (without saying it aloud).
✔ Saying "Bismillah" before starting.
✔ Washing hands three times.
✔ Rinsing the mouth three times.
✔ Inhaling water into the nose and blowing it out three times.
✔ Washing the face three times.
✔ Washing both arms up to the elbows three times.
✔ Wiping the head once, including the ears.
✔ Washing both feet up to the ankles three times.
✔ Saying the Shahada after Wudu:
"Ashhadu an la ilaha illa Allah, wahdahu la sharika lah, wa ashhadu anna Muhammadan abduhu wa rasuluh."
(I bear witness that there is no god but Allah alone, with no partner, and that Muhammad is His servant and Messenger.)
2- Purification from Major Impurity (Ghusl)
Major impurity occurs due to:
✔ Menstruation or postpartum bleeding.
✔ Sexual intercourse (Janabah).
✔ Wet dreams with ejaculation.
How to purify from it?
Ghusl is the full-body washing with water while intending purification.
✔ Steps of Proper Ghusl:
Intention in the heart (lifting major impurity).
Saying "Bismillah" before starting.
Washing the hands three times.
Washing the private parts thoroughly to remove any impurity.
Performing Wudu as done for prayer.
Pouring water over the head three times, ensuring it reaches the scalp.
Pouring water over the entire body, starting from the right side, then the left.
Washing the feet last (if not washed during Wudu).
⚡ Important Notes:
✔ Make sure water reaches all parts of the body, including underarms and between fingers.
✔ Ghusl removes major impurity, so Wudu is not required again for prayer after it.
3- Purification from Physical Impurity (Najasa)
✔ Two types of impurity:
Visible impurity (Najasa Haqiqiyya) – Things we can see and touch:
- Urine and feces
- Blood
- Vomit
- Pre-seminal discharge (Madhy) and post-urination discharge (Wady)
- Dog saliva
- Dead animals (except fish and locusts)
How to Purify from Physical Impurities?
✔ Washing the affected area thoroughly with water and soap until the impurity is completely removed.
✔ If impurity is on clothes, wash them well before praying.
✔ If impurity is on the ground, pour water over it and scrub until it disappears.
4- Tayammum (Purification Without Water)
If water is unavailable or its use could harm health, Islam permits Tayammum as a temporary alternative to Wudu or Ghusl.
✔ Steps of Tayammum:
Intention in the heart (no need to say it aloud).
Striking both hands on clean dust or sand.
Wiping the face with both hands.
Wiping the hands up to the wrists.
How to Perform Ghusl After Menstruation?
Ghusl after menstruation is obligatory before resuming prayer, fasting, or touching the Quran. A woman must be fully purified before engaging in acts of worship.
Quranic Evidence:
"They ask you about menstruation. Say: It is harm, so keep away from women during menstruation and do not approach them until they are purified. When they have purified themselves, then come to them as Allah has commanded you..." (Al-Baqarah: 222)
Hadith Evidence:
The Prophet ﷺ taught women how to purify after menstruation. He told Aisha (RA):
"Take a piece of musk-scented cloth and purify yourself with it." (Bukhari & Muslim)
Steps of Proper Ghusl After Menstruation
Intention:
- Have the intention in your heart to remove major impurity and purify yourself.
- Do not say the intention aloud, as it is a matter of the heart.
Saying "Bismillah" before starting.
Washing hands three times before touching any part of the body.
Washing the private parts thoroughly with water and soap.
- Using a scented substance like musk is recommended but not obligatory.
Performing Wudu (Ablution) as done for prayer.
- You can delay washing your feet until the end of Ghusl.
Pouring water over the head three times, ensuring it reaches the scalp.
- If you have long hair, you don't need to untie it, but water must reach the roots.
Pouring water over the entire body:
- Start with the right side, then the left side.
- Ensure that water reaches all areas, including underarms, between fingers, and behind the knees.
When Should You Start Ghusl (Purification Bath)?
You must perform ghusl as soon as you see a sign of purity. These signs are:
- Complete dryness: If you use a tissue or cotton and it comes out completely clean, with no traces of blood or discharge.
- The white discharge (Qassa Bayda’): A clear white discharge that appears at the end of the menstrual cycle, confirming purity.
If there is still blood or yellow/brown discharge, your period has not ended yet, and you should not perform ghusl or pray.
Important Tips for Ghusl After Menstruation
1- Cleaning the Area Around the Vagina Properly
On regular days, it is best to wash the vagina first, then the anal area, to prevent bacterial transfer.
However, after menstruation, you should clean the area around the vagina first to remove any bacteria or germs that could cause infections or uterine issues.
You can use a small mirror while cleaning to ensure proper hygiene.
2- Using a Suitable Feminine Wash
- Choose a medical, safe, and specially designed feminine wash.
- Use a soft bath sponge or just your hands, as the vaginal area is very sensitive, and harsh scrubbing can cause irritation or infections.
3- Using Lukewarm Water
- It is best to use lukewarm water while performing ghusl, as it helps cleanse the body thoroughly.
- Very hot water can strip the skin of its natural oils, leading to dryness and itching in the intimate area.
4- Sitting in a Saltwater Bath to Reduce Inflammation
A saltwater bath can help relieve itching and vaginal irritation that may occur after menstruation.
Make sure to clean the vaginal area properly before this to prevent bacteria from spreading through the water.
How to do it:
- Fill the bathtub with warm water.
- Add half a cup of salt.
- Sit in a squatting position for 5-10 minutes.
- Rinse the intimate area with lukewarm water afterward.
The Importance of Purification for Prayer
Purification is an essential condition for prayer to be valid, as it ensures both physical and spiritual cleanliness. Without proper purification, prayer is not accepted, as Allah has commanded us to be pure before standing in His presence.
Why Is Purification Important for Prayer?
1- A Fundamental Requirement for Prayer
Purification is a necessary condition for prayer. Allah says in the Quran:
"O you who have believed, when you rise to [perform] prayer, wash your faces and your hands up to the elbows, and wipe over your heads and wash your feet up to the ankles..." (Al-Ma’idah: 6)
This means we must be in a state of wudu (ablution) or ghusl (full purification) as required before praying.
2- It Cleanses Us Physically and Spiritually
Purification is not just about external cleanliness; it also purifies the heart and soul, making us feel light, pure, and closer to Allah.
3- It Maintains Good Health
Wudu and ghusl help maintain overall hygiene, protecting the body from diseases caused by dirt and bacteria.
4- A Means of Forgiveness and Elevation in Ranks
The Prophet ﷺ said:
"When a Muslim performs wudu and washes his face, every sin he looked at with his eyes is washed away with the water, or with the last drop of water..." (Muslim)
This means that every drop of water that falls during wudu helps wash away sins.
5- It Keeps Us Ready for Worship
When we are always in a state of purity, we can pray anytime without delay, giving us a sense of inner peace and tranquility.