Hadith Commentary: The Obligation of Ghusl

Narrated Abu Huraira: The Prophet (ﷺ) said, "When a man sits in between the four parts of a woman and did the sexual intercourse with her, bath becomes compulsory." (Sahih al-Bukhari 290)

Scholarly Explanation

This hadith establishes one of the fundamental causes requiring the complete ritual bath (ghusl). The phrase "sits in between the four parts" refers to the intimate positioning during sexual intercourse, specifically when the male organ enters the female private part.

Classical scholars explain that ghusl becomes obligatory upon the occurrence of either of two conditions: the actual penetration of the glans (tip) into the vagina, or the ejaculation of semen. This hadith addresses the first condition, where mere penetration - even without ejaculation - necessitates the complete purification bath.

Legal Rulings Derived

The consensus of scholars holds that this ruling applies to both partners involved in the act. Both man and woman must perform ghusl after such intimate contact, regardless of whether ejaculation occurred.

This obligation remains even if the intercourse was Islamically invalid (such as during menstruation) or unlawful. The requirement is triggered by the physical act itself, not its legal permissibility.

Until ghusl is performed, the person remains in a state of major ritual impurity (janabah), prohibiting them from prayer, touching the Quran, circumambulating the Kaaba, and remaining in mosques.

Related Rulings

This ruling is connected to Sahih al-Bukhari 291 which further clarifies the circumstances requiring ghusl. Scholars note that if penetration did not occur, but ejaculation resulted from desire, ghusl would still be required based on other authentic narrations.

The wisdom behind this ruling includes maintaining spiritual purity, emphasizing the significance of sexual intimacy in marriage, and ensuring physical cleanliness after such contact.