Respected Mufti, If one is in need of an obligatory ghusl due to janaabah would it be valid for one to simply lie in a tub of water whilst making sure that water reaches everywhere? Would the answer be the same if the obligatory ghusl is due to the termination of menstruation?
Madina 1420 years ago was very sparsely populated, a desert area with not
much water available.
The best of creation, our Nabi (Sallallaahu Alayhi Wasallam) lived in this
town. Nabi (Sallallaahu Alayhi Wasallam) used to use the water that was
available and with this have a complete Fardh bath. It has been estimated
that Nabi (Sallallaahu Alayhi Wasallam) used to use approximately 3 litres
of water for a bath. The method of our Nabi (Sallallaahu Alayhi Wasallam)’s
bath was such that first he used to wash both hands to the wrist with the
intention of Ghusl. Thereafter, he used to wash both the private parts,
cleaning all Najaasats. Wudhu should then follow this process. Thereafter,
Nabi (Sallallaahu Alayhi Wasallam) used to pour water over his head thrice,
followed by water being poured 3 times on the right side and then the left
side of the body.
By rubbing the body, while pouring water on the body every hair and every
part of the body would become wet with water.
A tub (in general) is not 10 hand spans by 10 hand spans in area (regarded
as little water which becomes impure by impurity falling in it). Thus, water
would become impure if some impure substance enters that amount of water.
Hence, soaking in the tub would not render one pure. As regards the doubts
one experiences, it is just the evil whisper of Shaytaan. Read, ‘A’oodhu
billah’ 3 times before undressing and follow the Sunnat method of pouring
water and rubbing ensuring to cover every part of the body. If any doubt
occurs thereafter, then disregard them. (Fataawa Mahmood vol.9 pg.46)
and Allah Ta’ala Knows Best
Mufti Ebrahim Desai
FATWA DEPT.