Answered by Ustadh Tabraze Azam
Question: Assalam ‘aleykum.
Do I need to repeat the ritual bath (ghusl) if I find a small amount of dirt on my skin afterwards?
Answer: Wa alaikum assalam wa rahmatullahi wa barakatuh,
I pray that this message finds you well, insha’Allah.
No, dirt would not be considered a preventative barrier unless it was so thick and hardened that water wouldn’t normally penetrate it. This is more likely to be the case with something akin to clay.
Otherwise, and even if assumed to be preventative, you would only need to remove it and wash the area beneath it as washing the entire body at the same time is not a condition for the validity of the ritual bath (ghusl).
Allah Most High said, “if required, wash your whole body.” [5.6]
Please see: The Ritual Bath (ghusl): Obligatory, Recommended, and Disliked Acts
And Allah alone knows best.
Wassalam,
Tabraze Azam
Checked & Approved by Shaykh Faraz Rabbani