Is it better for someone in a state of minor or major ritual impurity to perform ghusl (full ritual bath) or wudu' (ablution) before sleeping, and how do we reconcile this with the saying of Aisha, may Allah be pleased with her, in Muslim: "What did the Messenger of Allah use to do concerning janabah (major ritual impurity)? Did he perform ghusl before sleeping, or did he sleep before performing ghusl? She said: He would do all of that. Sometimes he would perform ghusl and then sleep, and sometimes he would perform wudu' and then sleep"?

It is recommended for a person in a state of major ritual impurity (junub) to perform ablution (wudu') before sleeping if they wish to sleep before performing the full ritual bath (ghusl). They may also perform the ghusl before sleeping. Sleeping in a state of complete purity is better. The Prophet, peace and blessings be upon him, sometimes performed what was less preferable to show permissibility and flexibility. Performing ablution before sleep is also recommended for those who are not in a state of major ritual impurity. However, a person who is not in a state of major ritual impurity is not required to perform ghusl before sleeping, neither as an obligation nor as a recommendation.