Can a woman perform Fard Ghusl without undoing her braids?

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Nasihah (Advice): Wudhu washes away sins

Sayyiduna Abu Huraira radiyallahu anhu reported that Rasulullah (sallallahu alayhi wa sallam) said: “When a Muslim washes his face in Wudhu, every sin that he committed with his eyes will be washed away with the last drop of water. When he washes his hands, every sin that he committed with his hands will be washed away with the last drop of water. When he washes his feet, every sin that he committed with his feet will be washed away with the last drop of water, until he emerges purified from sin.” [Sahih Muslim]

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Question and Answer:

I have been told that a woman does not need to undo her braids when performing Ghusl. Is this correct? Does the same ruling apply to a bun or ponytail?

Shariah grants a concession to women regarding washing their hair during Ghusl. The ruling can be understood through the following two scenarios:

Braided or Plaited Hair

A woman is not required to undo her braids for Ghusl. It is sufficient that water reaches the roots of the hair and the scalp; it is not necessary for water to reach every strand of hair within the braids.

Hair Tied in a Bun, Ponytail, etc.

If the hair is not braided or plaited, water must reach the roots as well as every strand of hair. Therefore, the hair should be loosened if necessary to ensure that all of the hair is washed. [Hindiyyah 1/13]

And Allah Ta’ala Knows Best

Mufti Muhammed Hamza Farooqui

Mufti Taahir Hansa

(The answer hereby given is specifically based on the question asked and should be read together with the question asked. Islamic rulings on this Q&A newsletter are answered in accordance to the Hanafi Fiqh unless otherwise stated.)