As soon as a woman's menses ends, she should clean her body and garments from traces of blood and then perform ghusl. Menstrual blood is najis. It should be thoroughly removed from the body after menses. A'ishah (رضي الله عنه) reported that an Ansārī woman (called Asma' Bint Shakal) asked the Prophet (ﷺ) how she should cleanse herself after menses. He commanded her to take a bath, and added:
“Take a rag soaked in musk and cleanse yourself with it three times.”
The woman inquired, "How do I do that?" And he repeated, "Cleanse yourself with it." Again, she asked, "How do I do that?" Covering his face with his hand, the Prophet (ﷺ) said, "Exalted be Allah! Just cleanse yourself with it." Finally, observing the Prophet's (ﷺ) embarrassment, 'Aishah (رضى الله عنها) took the woman aside and explained to her, “Rub it, over the location of where the blood was.” 'A'ishah (رضى الله عنها) commented:
"How excellent are the Ansārī women! Shyness did not prevent them from seeking understanding of the religion."
[Recorded by al-Bukhārī (314-315, 7357), Muslim (332), and others].
In Islam, there are specific guidelines for ritual purification after menstruation (hayd) or postnatal bleeding (nifas). Here's a general overview:
1. Completion of menstruation: The first step is to wait until the menstrual period ends completely or until postnatal bleeding stops.
2. Performing Ghusl: Ghusl refers to the full-body ritual purification. It involves washing the entire body with water in a specific manner. The steps for performing Ghusl include:
- Intention: Make the intention to perform Ghusl for purification.
- Wash the private parts: Begin by washing the private parts thoroughly to remove any impurities.
- Perform Wudu (ablution): Complete the regular ablution by washing the hands, mouth, nose, face, arms, head, and feet.
- Pour water over the entire body: Ensure that water reaches every part of the body, including the hair, skin, and underneath the body.
- The order of washing is not strictly defined, but it's recommended to start with the right side of the body and then the left.
- Recite the appropriate supplications (optional): While not obligatory, some individuals choose to recite certain supplications or prayers during Ghusl.
- After completing Ghusl, dry the body with a clean towel or cloth.
3. Prayer and worship: After performing Ghusl, one is considered ritually pure (tahir) and can resume praying, fasting, and other religious activities.
In summary, It's essential to perform Ghusl with the proper intention and sincerity, following the guidance of Islamic teachings.