Should I Perform a Ghusl after Masturbating despite Menstruating?
Hanafi Fiqh
Answered by Ustadh Sufyan Qufi
Question
How do I purify myself from masturbating during my period? Should I do a ghusl while on period?
Answer
In the name of Allah, the Most Compassionate, Most Merciful
No, you cannot purify yourself by performing a ritual bath (ghusl) while menstruating. [Shurunbulali, Nur al-Idah]
The reason for this ruling is that being free of menstruation is from the conditions of validity of a ghusl, because it is not conceivable for a ghusl to be valid while being affected by one of its invalidators. [Shurunbulali, Maraqi al-Falah]
A ritual bath (ghusl) is not sought for itself but is performed to be allowed to pray. Thus, a ritual bath is not needed for a menstruating woman because she is not allowed to pray.
Allah, Most High, says: “O believers! When you rise up for prayer, wash your faces and your hands up to the elbows, wipe your heads, and wash your feet to the ankles. And if you are in a state of ˹full˺ impurity then take a full bath.” [Quran, 5:6]
The scholars of Usul al-Fiqh mention that the praiseworthy aspect of ritual purity is that ritual purity is a means to pray. If the duty to pray is no longer there, then the duty to purify yourself is no longer there. [Usul al-Shashi]
Cleanliness
Of course, you should wash yourself nonetheless and repent from this sin.
Please see:
How Can I Repent From Masturbation?
Cleanliness is encouraged whether you are in a state of menstruation or not.
Allah, Most High, says: “Allah loves those who turn to him, and loves those who keep themselves clean.” [Quran, 2.222]
The Messenger of Allah (Allah bless him and give him peace) has said: “keeping clean is half of faith.” [Muslim]
And Allah knows best.
[Ustadh] Sufyan Qufi
Checked and Approved by Shaykh Faraz Rabbani
Ustadh Sufyan Qufi is an advanced seeker of knowledge, originally from Algeria, who grew up in France. He began searching for ways to learn Islam reliably and was disappointed at the answers he found locally.
Then he connected with various traditional teachers and gradually connected with SeekersGuidance. He embarked on his journey of learning through the various teachers at SeekersGuidance, including his mentor Shaykh Faraz Rabbani.
He studied numerous texts in Islamic Law, Theology, Hadith, and other areas with Shaykh Faraz Rabbani and other teachers, including Shaykh Abdurrahman al-Sha‘ar, Shaykh Ali Hani, and others.
He is an active instructor at SeekersGuidance and answers questions through the SeekersGuidance Answers Service.
