Is it obligatory for a woman to perform ghusl after intercourse and foreplay that does not lead to ejaculation? And is it permissible for a woman with long hair to wash only her body and wipe over her hair?
Both men and women must perform ghusl (ritual bath) after intercourse, whether ejaculation occurs or not, based on the Prophet's (peace be upon him) saying: "If he sits between her four limbs and the circumcised part touches the circumcised part, then ghusl becomes obligatory." Muslim added: "Even if he does not ejaculate."
Similarly, ghusl is obligatory if there was no vaginal intercourse but ejaculation occurred, based on the Prophet's (peace be upon him) saying: "Water necessitates water [i.e., ghusl is required after the emission of water/semen]."
However, if there was foreplay without seminal emission, then ghusl is not required.
A woman must wash her entire hair when performing ghusl for janabah (ritual impurity from sexual activity) or menstruation. She is not required to undo her braids, but she must ensure that water reaches the roots of her hair. Merely wiping over it is not sufficient.
Summarized from the full answer at Ftawy · reviewed Sep 2, 2026
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