Ghusal is an act of washing the whole body from the head to the toe. "Ghusal" means "Bath." We must use clean running water to have a Ghusal so that all the dirt will be removed from our body.

Method of Making Ghusal

Read the Niyyah:

1. Wash both your hands up to the wrist.
2. Wash the private parts properly to remove all the dirt. Remove all pubic hair and the hair from under the arms.
3. Make WUDU. Ensure that the mouth and the nostrils are washed properly. Also brush your teeth and gargle your mouth till the throat.
4. Wash the entire head properly.
5. Then wash the entire body, making sure that every part is washed properly. Start with the right-hand side of the body and then the left-hand side.
6. When you have completed the Ghusal, dry the whole body with a clean towel and get dressed as quickly as possible.

The Fards (Faraa'id) of Ghusal 

Now that you have a brief idea of how to make Ghusal, you should learn the Fards (Faraa'id) of Ghusal which are:

1. To wash the whole mouth. If you are not fasting, then you must gargle your mouth until the water reaches the throat.
2. To cleanse the nostrils.
3. To wash the whole body thoroughly from the head to the toe. 

The Sunnahs of Ghusal 

There are certain actions in Ghusal which are Sunnah. If you perform these actions you will get great Thawaab. These actions are:

1. The person should make the Niyyah or intention for Ghusal.
2. Washing the hands 3 times till the wrist.
3. Washing the private parts thoroughly.
4. All dirt from the body should be removed.
5. To perform the Wudu.
6. To pour water over the right shoulder 3 times and then over the left shoulder 3 times.
7. To pour water over the head and the whole body 3 times.
8. Washing the feet when Ghusal is completed and then leaving the place of Ghusal.
9. To make Ghusal in a private place. If you are making Ghusal in the bathroom, make sure that the door is closed and nobody can see you.
10. Make sure that you do not read or speak while making Ghusal. If somebody does call you and you need to reply then make a noise or sound like you are clearing your throat. The person will know that you are making Ghusal and will not disturb you.
11. To dry the body with a clean towel or cloth. 

Note:
(a) Do not face the Qiblah when making Ghusal or making Istinja. Remember not to build toilets and bathrooms facing the Qiblah.
(b) You may stand or sit when making Ghusal, but it is better that you sit.
(c) Do not waste water.

When is it Sunnah to make Ghusal? 

There are certain occasions in which it is Sunnah to make Ghusal. Some of these occasions are:

1. For Jummah Salaah.
2. For both the Eids (Eid-ul-Fitr and Eid-ul-Adha).
3. On the Day of Arafaat.
4. Before one wears the Ihraam. 

When is it Mustahab to make Ghusal? 

It is "Mustahab" or "preferable" to make Ghusal on the following occasions :

1. Staying at Arafaat.
2. Staying at Muzdalifa.
3. When entering Masjidul Haram.
4. When visiting the Masjid-un-Nabawi.
5. Making Tawaaf.
6. When entering Mina.
7. When stoning the Shaytaan (on the 3 days).
8. Laylatul Baraat (Night of Baraat).
9. Laylatul Qadr (Night of Power).
10. On the night of Arafaat.
11. For the Mawlood-un-Nabi (sallal laahu alaihi wasallam) and when attending all Islamic functions.
12. After making Ghusal for the dead.
13. After the person is cured of madness or illness.
14. After unconsciousness.
15. After intoxication (drunkenness).
16. Before making Tauba.
17. When wearing new clothes.
18. After returning from a journey.
19. For most of the Nawaafil Salaah like Salaatul Istisqa and others.
20. When there is unnatural darkness in the skies.
21. On the afternoon of a very hot day to wash away perspiration.
22. When embracing Islam.