Question:

If an individual were to perform ghusl due to ritual impurity or a wet dream, with a cloth wrapped around the waist so that the private areas were covered, would the ghusl be complete? Is there a difference in ruling depending on the bathroom having a ceiling or not?

Answer:

For ghusl to be complete the water must reach all parts of the body this includes areas often ignored such as under the chin, all parts of the face, the edges and inside of the nose up to the nasal bone. If all this is achieved, then ghusl would be complete.

It is better if for ghusl to be performed in an open topped bathroom whilst fully nude, however if there is potential for onlookers to see from higher areas than it is better to wrap a cloth or fabric around the waist.

The level of care one takes to cover himself will depend on the amount of likely exposure to onlookers. If one is bathing outside and being seen is inevitable than the use of a cloth or some sort of fabric would become wajib (necessary), in these circumstances it would be sinful to perform ghusl whilst nude.

And Allah ﷻ knows the best

Imam Ahmad Rida Khan رحمة الله تعالى عليه

Translation by Dr Musharraf Hussain Al-Azhari Translator of Majestic Quran, www.majesticquran.co.uk