Ruling regarding Bathing Naked in a bathroom that has a roof or not?
Case 42:
If Zaid performed the Ghusl (Ritual Bath) of Janaabat or Ihtilaam (nocturnal emission – wet dream) in a bathroom, and after performing Wudu if he removes the waistcloth (lower garment) and then performs Ghusl, is the Ghusl valid or not? Be this if the bathroom has a roof or not. What is the ruling in both cases?
The Ruling:
The Ghusl is regarded as being valid when water is passed thoroughly over the entire body, which includes the mouth up to the throat, and up to the edge of the bone in the nose including the bridge of the nose, inside the nose. Once these are fulfilled, no matter how he takes a bath, the bath will be done (i.e. it is valid).
However, it is not advisable to be naked in an open bathroom (i.e. without a roof), and if there are houses at a height in that area, and there is a risk of being seen, then we are encouraged to keep the waistcloth on. The more the chance of being seen, the stricter the caution will be, to the extent if the probability of being seen is predominant, it will become Waajib (compulsory) to wear the waistcloth, and to bathe naked at such a place is sinful.
Translator’s Note: This rule is for the males. Females must bath in a closed-off area at all times.
References
Fatawa Africa, Case 43, Imam Ahmad Rida Khan Qadri, published by Imam Mustafa Raza Research Center.
[Translation]
Mufti Afthab Cassim Qadri Ridawi Noori,
Imam Mustafa Raza Research Center,
Durban, South Africa.