Is ceremonial washing (Ghusl) obligatory following childbirth (Wiladah) if no blood is present?
Chapter on What Necessitates Ghusl
Al-Mughni
Book of Purification
Primary text
Ceremonial washing (Ghusl) is not obligatory following childbirth if no blood is present, according to the apparent statement of Al-Kharaqi. Obligation is derived from explicit religious legislation, and no such legislation mandates Ghusl in this specific case. Furthermore, this situation does not share the essential legal characteristics (meaning) of cases where Ghusl is mandated, as it involves neither menstrual blood nor seminal fluid, which are the established causes for the obligation.
Supporting text
An alternative view posits that Ghusl is obligatory following childbirth even without blood. This opinion is supported by the reasoning that childbirth is often associated with post-natal bleeding (Nifas), thus standing in its place for obligation, similar to how the mere touching of circumcised parts mandates Ghusl. Additionally, it is argued that it serves to cleanse the womb, resembling menstruation. This view finds analogous support within the Shafi'i school, presenting two alternative positions mirroring the general discussion.