Is it obligatory to wash the head after major ritual impurity (janabah) starting with the right side, then the left, then the middle, as mentioned in Aisha’s hadith, or is it sufficient to rub the head with both hands three times from all directions?
Source: FtawySummary from Ftawy's records · added here Sep 2, 2026
The obligatory acts in janaba (ritual bath for major impurity) are to make the intention and ensure water covers the entire body, along with rinsing the mouth (madmada) and sniffing water into the nose (istinshaq). There is no specific method required for washing the head or for washing it three times. As for starting with the right side of the head, it is recommended (mustahabb) and not obligatory, as mentioned in the of Aisha, may Allah be pleased with her. Scholars have interpreted this to mean that water covers the entire head with each wash, but one begins with the right side, then the left, then the middle.
Summary from Ftawy's records · added here
Reviewed by El Fatwa's sharia committee.
Read the full answer on Ftawyhttps://ftawy.com/en/questions/8863
Where this answer came from
- Source platform
- Ftawy
- Original fatwa ID
- 8863
- Added here
- . This is when the answer was added to El Fatwa, not the fatwa's date.
- Text
- Summary from Ftawy's records, reviewed by El Fatwa's sharia committee.
- Read the full ruling
- Read the full answer on Ftawy