Performing ghusl with one’s spouse

Question: Is it true that the Messenger of Allah (Allah bless him and give him peace) performed ghusl with his wives? If so, how could that be done?

Answer:

Wa alaykum assalam wa rahmatullahi wa barakatuh,

Dear questioner,

Thank you for your important question.

Aisha (Allah be well pleased with her) said, ‘Messenger of Allah (Allah bless him and give him peace) and I used to perform ghusl from the same container. He would sometimes get to it before me, so I would tell him, ‘Leave me some! Leave me some!’ (Bukhari and Muslim)

It adds ‘we would take turns scooping water’ and in others ‘and our hands would meet in some narrations. (Fath al Bari, Ibn Hajar Al Asqalani)

So performing ghusl with one’s spouse is perfectly fine and valid. The rituals of ghusl are the same as any normal ghusl.

Making ghusl with one’s spouse can be useful because it allows one to make sure that one’s back is wiped (dalk) by hands and not merely by a back scrub as is a condition according to some Malikis. (Al Sharh Al Kabir, Dardir)

I pray this helps.

[Ustadh] Farid

Checked and Approved by Shaykh Faraz Rabbani

Ustadh Farid Dingle has completed extensive years of study in the sciences of the Arabic language and the various Islamic Sciences. During his studies, he also earned a CIFE Certificate in Islamic Finance. Over the years, he has developed a masterful ability to craft lessons that help non-Arabic speakers gain a deep understanding of the language. He currently teaches courses in the Arabic Language.