Is It Valid to Make a Conditional Intention When Performing a Ghusl?

Answered by Ustadh Tabraze Azam

Question:As salamu alaykum,

Is it valid to make a conditional intention when performing a ghusl?

An example would be: “if there is any ritual impurity, then I intend the fard bath. Otherwise I intend the sunna bath.”

Answer: Wa alaikum assalam wa rahmatullah,

I pray that this message finds you well, insha’Allah.

An intention isn’t a necessary condition for the validity of the ritual bath (ghusl). However, you should not have misgivings regarding whether or not you need to perform a ritual bath. Say the ta`awwudh, act on the basis of surety, and ignore misgivings.

See also: A Reader on Waswasa (Baseless Misgivings) and: The Ritual Bath (ghusl): Obligatory, Recommended, and Disliked Acts

And Allah alone knows best.

wassalam,

Tabraze Azam

Checked & Approved by Shaykh Faraz Rabbani