Is it obligatory or recommended for an infidel or apostate to perform ghusl and shave upon embracing Islam?

The ritual bath (ghusl) for a disbeliever or apostate upon embracing Islam is a matter of scholarly disagreement. Some scholars have made it obligatory absolutely, while others have not made it obligatory absolutely. Some scholars have differentiated, making it obligatory only if he committed an act that necessitates ghusl while he was a disbeliever; otherwise, it is not obligatory but rather recommended. This is the view of the Shafi'is and Malikis.

As for shaving the hair for a disbeliever upon embracing Islam, it is only recommended. Some scholars have restricted this to cases where his hair was not in the style of Muslims, similar to what was narrated from the Prophet, peace and blessings be upon him: "Remove from yourself the hair of disbelief."