Does increasing the number of times the head is washed (more than three) during a full ghusl invalidate the ghusl?
Source: FtawySummary from Ftawy's records · added here Sep 2, 2026
The for someone performing (ritual bath) is to pour water over their head three times, as narrated by Muslim from Jubayr ibn Mut'im that the Prophet (peace be upon him) said: "As for me, I pour three handfuls of water over my head." The meaning of "three handfuls" (ثلاث أكف) is three scoops of water. If one exceeds this number or falls short of it, they have gone against the Sunnah, but this does not invalidate the ghusl. This is because the obligation is to ensure water reaches all of the hair, and restricting it to a specific number is recommended (mustahabb) but not a condition or an obligation.
Summary from Ftawy's records · added here
Reviewed by El Fatwa's sharia committee.
Read the full answer on Ftawyhttps://ftawy.com/en/questions/9142
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