There cropped up a difference of opinion between a group of Muhajirs (Emigrants and a group of Ansar (Helpers) (and the point of dispute was) that the Ansar said: The bath (because of sexual intercourse) becomes obligatory only-when the semen spurts out or ejaculates. But the Muhajirs said: When a man has sexual intercourse (with the woman), a bath becomes obligatory (no matter whether or not there is seminal emission or ejaculation). Abu Musa said: Well, I satisfy you on this (issue). He (Abu Musa, the narrator) said: I got up (and went) to 'A'isha and sought her permission and it was granted, and I said to her: 0 Mother, or Mother of the Faithful, I want to ask you about a matter on which I feel shy. She said: Don't feel shy of asking me about a thing which you can ask your mother, who gave you birth, for I am too your mother. Upon this I said: What makes a bath obligatory for a person? She replied: You have come across one well informed! The Messenger of Allah (ﷺ) said: When anyone sits amidst four parts (of the woman) and the circumcised parts touch each other a bath becomes obligatory.
The Book of Menstruation - Sahih Muslim 349
This narration from Sahih Muslim addresses a fundamental jurisprudential question regarding the conditions that necessitate the ritual bath (ghusl). The disagreement between the Muhajirin and Ansar reflects early scholarly discourse on this matter, which was authoritatively resolved through the testimony of Aisha (may Allah be pleased with her), who transmitted the Prophetic guidance directly.
Scholarly Commentary on the Hadith
The primary point of contention concerns what exactly triggers the obligation of ghusl. The Ansar maintained that ghusl becomes obligatory only upon actual ejaculation of semen, while the Muhajirin argued that mere genital contact during intercourse necessitates the bath.
Aisha's (radi Allahu anha) response, quoting the Prophet Muhammad (sallallahu alayhi wasallam), provides the definitive ruling: "When anyone sits amidst four parts (of the woman) and the circumcised parts touch each other a bath becomes obligatory." This establishes that full genital contact itself, regardless of emission, obligates ghusl.
Legal Implications and Rulings
This hadith forms the foundation for the majority position among Islamic scholars that mere genital penetration, without ejaculation, necessitates the complete ritual bath. The phrase "sits amidst four parts" refers to the positioning during intercourse, while "circumcised parts touch" indicates genital contact.
The ruling emphasizes the importance of purity in Islamic worship, as sexual activity breaks one's state of ritual purity required for prayers, Quran recitation, and circumambulation of the Kaaba. This teaching ensures Muslims maintain the proper state of cleanliness for acts of worship.