Does a ritual bath taken by an unbeliever remove major ritual impurity (Janabah)?
Chapter on What Necessitates Ghusl
Al-Mughni
Book of Purification
Primary text
A ritual bath taken by an unbeliever while in a state of disbelief does not remove major ritual impurity (Janabah). Ritual purification is an act of worship purely contingent upon faith; therefore, it is not valid when performed by an unbeliever, similar to how prayer performed by a disbeliever is invalid.
Supporting text
A differing view, transmitted from Abu Hanifa and one of the two recognized opinions among Al-Shafi'i's school, suggests that the bath does remove the state of impurity because the intention (Niyyah) of the convert is considered sounder than that of a child.