Yes, according to Islamic teachings, a husband and wife are permitted to perform ghusl (ritual washing) together. This is supported by several sources which highlight that sharing the same water container for ghusl is permissible, and by extension, performing the ablution simultaneously is also allowed. The act of performing ghusl together does not invalidate the ritual itself.
Supporting Evidence and Interpretations:
Several Islamic sources confirm the permissibility of a husband and wife performing ghusl together:
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Shared Water Container: The permissibility of a husband and wife using the same water for ghusl is explicitly mentioned in multiple sources. This is based on the hadith narrating that some of the Prophet's wives performed ghusl from a single container. This suggests that sharing water, and by implication, the act of ghusl itself, is permissible within the marital context. [See References: Fiqh 1.55 --1.110, It is permissible for a man to use the water left over by a woman and vice-versa. This is derived from the fact that it is permissible for them to perform ghusl from the same container.]
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Simultaneous Ghusl: Multiple sources explicitly state that performing ghusl together is permitted. This interpretation extends the principle of shared water to the act of performing the ritual simultaneously. [See References: Performing ghusl with one's spouse - SeekersGuidance, Can Husband and Wife Bathe Together? - Islam Question & Answer, The spouses having Ghusl together-Chapter on Ghusl, It is permissible for the husband to take Ghusl after Janabah (major ritual impurity related to sexual discharge) with his wife from the same vessel.]
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Maintaining Modesty: While permissible, it's crucial to maintain modesty and appropriate behavior, even within the marital relationship.
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Different Interpretations: Some interpretations might emphasize the importance of maintaining modesty during ghusl, regardless of whether it is performed together or separately. However, the consensus from multiple sources supports the permissibility of couples performing ghusl together while still maintaining modesty.
Practical Considerations:
- Modesty: While permissible, both partners should always maintain modesty.
- Privacy: Though permissible, performing ghusl together should always be done in a private setting.
