Performing Ghusl after sexual relations.
Q. My question is regarding Ghusl bath. Is it compulsory after every sexual encounter or just prior to performing salaah or reading quran? Washing my hair after every relation is now making it dry and dropping terribly, what can I do in this instance?
A. A Ghusl bath becomes compulsory upon a person whenever there is sexual relationship. However, it is not essential (upon the person) to take the bath immediately. It can be delayed and taken anytime before one engages himself in any act of Ibadah (worship), like Salaah, reciting Quran etc.
As such, if one is in a state of Janabah (sexual pollution due to sexual relations) at night, then it suffices for him to wash his private organs and perform wazu at that time. He can delay his Ghusl (bath) until the morning when he gets up for Salaah. Similarly, during the day one can delay the bath until he is ready to perform salaah, attend the masjid or recite Quran.
Taking a Ghusl (bath) immediately upon having sexual relations is not essential, except in a case where a person wishes to perform Salaah etc. at that time.
And Allah knows best.
Mufti Waseem Khan