Is rubbing the body obligatory during Ghusl (ritual bath) and Wudu (ablution)?
Chapter on Ghusl from Janabah (Major Impurity)
Al-Mughni
Book of Purification
Primary text
Rubbing the hand over the body during Ghusl and Wudu is not obligatory if one is certain or highly probable that water has reached the entire body. This position is held by Al-Hasan, Al-Nakha'i, Al-Sha'bi, Hammad, Al-Thawri, Al-Awza'i, Al-Shafi'i, Ishaq, and the proponents of the school of opinion (Ahl al-Ra'y). The evidence is derived from the Hadith of Umm Salamah, where she asked the Messenger of Allah if she should undo her braided hair for Ghusl of major ritual impurity, and he replied, "No, it is sufficient for you to pour three handfuls over your head, then pour water over yourself, and you will become purified" (Reported by Muslim). Furthermore, it is argued that since it is an obligatory washing, rubbing the hand is not required, similar to washing away physical impurity (najasah).
Supporting text
Malik and Abu Al-'Aliyah rule that rubbing the hand over the body until the hand reaches everywhere is obligatory. 'Ata' also suggested that rinsing is insufficient for the Junub (one in a state of major impurity), requiring two washings because Allah the Almighty stated, "until you have washed yourselves" (Quran 4:43), arguing that the term 'Ghusl' implies rubbing the self, similar to how purification (Tayamum) requires rubbing, as it is purification via earth.