1/150. Chapter:
Sunan an-Nasai 241 — Ghusl with Braided Hair
Mention Of A Woman Not undoing Her Braids When Performing Ghusl From Janabah
Ghusl with Braided Hair: Simple Prophetic Guidance
Sunan an-Nasai : 241
Sunan an-NasaiHadith Number 241
أَخْبَرَنَا سُلَيْمَانُ بْنُ مَنْصُورٍ، عَنْ سُفْيَانَ، عَنْ أَيُّوبَ بْنِ مُوسَى، عَنْ سَعِيدِ بْنِ أَبِي سَعِيدٍ، عَنْ عَبْدِ اللَّهِ بْنِ رَافِعٍ، عَنْ أُمِّ سَلَمَةَ، - رضى الله عنها - زَوْجِ النَّبِيِّ صلى الله عليه وسلم قَالَتْ قُلْتُ يَا رَسُولَ اللَّهِ إِنِّي امْرَأَةٌ أَشُدُّ ضَفْرَ رَأْسِي أَفَأَنْقُضُهَا عِنْدَ غَسْلِهَا مِنَ الْجَنَابَةِ قَالَ " إِنَّمَا يَكْفِيكِ أَنْ تَحْثِي عَلَى رَأْسِكِ ثَلاَثَ حَثَيَاتٍ مِنْ مَاءٍ ثُمَّ تُفِيضِينَ عَلَى جَسَدِكِ " .
Umm Salamah Narrated from:
It was narrated that Umm Salamah, the wife of the Prophet (ﷺ), said: "I said: 'O Messenger of Allah, I am a woman with tightly braided hair; should I undo it when performing Ghusl from Janabah?' He said: 'No it is sufficient for you to pour three handfuls of water over your body.'"
Reference : Sunan an-Nasa'i 241In-book reference : Book 1, Hadith 242English translation : Vol. 1, Book 1, Hadith 242
Summary of Sunan an-Nasai Hadith 241
This Hadith gives a clear answer about ghusl with braided hair. Umm Salamah, the wife of the Prophet (صلى الله عليه وسلم), asked if she had to undo her tightly braided hair when performing ghusl from janabah. The Prophet (صلى الله عليه وسلم) told her that she did not have to undo it. He explained that it was enough for her to pour three handfuls of water over her head and then pour water over her body. The main lesson is that ghusl from janabah should be done properly, but it is not meant to create needless hardship. The wording focuses on water reaching the head and body in the manner described.
What we learn from this hadith
- A woman with tightly braided hair did not have to undo it for ghusl from janabah in this case.
- The Prophet (صلى الله عليه وسلم) taught pouring three handfuls of water over the head.
- After washing the head, water should be poured over the body.
- Questions about purification should be asked clearly when a person is unsure.
