The Apostle of Allah (ﷺ) said: When a man has sexual intercourse, bathing becomes obligatory (both for the male and the female). In the hadith of Matar the words are: Even if there is no orgasm. Zuhair has narrated it with a minor alteration of words.
The Book of Menstruation - Sahih Muslim 348a
This narration from the Prophet Muhammad (ﷺ) establishes the fundamental ruling regarding ritual purification after sexual intercourse. The obligation of ghusl (complete bath) applies regardless of whether ejaculation occurs, as clarified in the version of Matar.
Scholarly Commentary
The hadith establishes that mere penetration, without orgasm or emission, necessitates ghusl for both partners. This ruling is based on the principle that sexual union itself creates a state of major ritual impurity (janabah).
Classical scholars from all schools of jurisprudence agree upon this ruling, though they differ in minor details regarding what constitutes "sexual intercourse" that triggers the obligation.
The mention of different narrators (Matar and Zuhair) demonstrates the careful preservation of prophetic traditions and shows how Companions and Successors transmitted the same essential ruling with slight variations in wording.
Practical Implications
After such intercourse, both parties are prohibited from performing prayer, touching the Quran, circumambulating the Ka'bah, or staying in mosques until they perform the complete ghusl.
The ghusl must include rinsing the mouth, sniffing water into the nostrils, and washing the entire body, ensuring water reaches every part, including the roots of the hair.