Making The Intention For Ghusl

Question: Does one need an intention in ghusl if there is more than one cause for the obligation of the ghusl?

Answer:

In the Name of Allah, the Most Merciful and Compassionate

In the Hanafi school, the intention of the ritual bath (ghusl) is an emphasized sunna and should not be left [Tahtawi/Shurunbulali, Hashiyat Maraqi al-Falah].

However, due to the purport of the texts and the nature of the ghusl being a means and not an end, the intention is not a condition for validity – even though it is a condition in order to attain the reward of the actions [Shurunbulali, Maraqi al-Falah].

This ruling applies regardless of the factor which obligated the ghusl. Whether it be the emission of sperm or the ending of menstruation, one ghusl suffices all of the above – even if one did not make an intention.

Hope this helps.

Allah knows best
[Shaykh] Yusuf Weltch

Checked and Approved by Shaykh Faraz Rabbani

Shaykh Yusuf Weltch is a graduate from Tarim; a student of Habib Umar and other luminaries; and authorized teachers of the Qur’an and the Islamic sciences