Is it obligatory for a woman to undo her hair plaits (naqd) when performing the major ablution (Ghusl) following ritual impurity from sexual discharge (Janabah)?
Chapter on Ghusl from Janabah (Major Impurity)
Al-Mughni
Book of Purification
Primary text
It is not obligatory for a woman to undo her hair plaits when performing Ghusl following Janabah. This is the established position of the Imams, including Ahmad, and there is no known disagreement among scholars on this point, except for a narration attributed to Abdullah ibn Umar. The evidence for this ruling is the Hadith of Umm Salamah, who asked the Prophet (peace be upon him) if she should undo her tightly bound hair for Janabah, and he replied, 'No, it is sufficient for you to pour water over your head three handfuls, then pour water over yourself to purify yourself.' This ruling applies equally to men and women, although women are often mentioned due to the custom of having long, copious hair.
Supporting text
A dissenting view is reported from Abdullah ibn Umar, who instructed women to undo their hair when bathing after Janabah. However, Aisha strongly refuted this, stating that she and the Prophet (peace be upon him) would perform Ghusl without her doing more than pouring water over her head three times.