Is ritual ablution (*Ghusl*) obligatory upon a woman who delivers without postpartum bleeding?

Chapter on Menstruation

Al-Mughni

Book of Purification

Book 2 · Issue 2 · Bab 12

Open in Qurani

Primary text

There are two views regarding the obligation of *Ghusl*. The first view holds that *Ghusl* is not obligatory because the obligation stems from religious legislation, which was prescribed specifically for a woman experiencing *Nifas*. Since this woman did not experience bleeding, she is not considered a woman in *Nifas* nor in its legal equivalent, as the obligation is tied to the actual emission of blood.

Supporting text

The second view maintains that *Ghusl* is obligatory because childbirth is a presumptive cause for *Nifas*. Therefore, the obligation attaches to the act of delivery itself, similar to how the obligation for *Ghusl* attaches to the mere meeting of circumcised male and female parts, even if no seminal discharge (*inzaal*) occurs.