Can a husband compel his wife to perform Ghusl (ritual bath) following menses or post-natal bleeding?

General Chapter

Al-Mughni

Book of the Wedding Feast

Book 37 · Issue 1 · Bab 1

Open in Qurani

Primary text

A husband possesses the right to compel his wife, whether Muslim or non-Muslim (Dhimmi), free or enslaved, to perform Ghusl following menses (hayd) or post-natal bleeding (nifas). This compulsion is permissible because these states prevent marital enjoyment, which is the husband's right, thus granting him the right to compel the removal of the impediment. If she needs to purchase water for this purpose, the husband must bear the cost as it pertains to his right.