Islam places a great importance to the cleanliness and purity. The Prophet Muhammad has considered 'purification as half the faith' in one of his Abädith (Mishkät, 3). A Muslim in other words should remain clean in body, dress and even in his thought and spirit.
Another Tradition of the Prophet sums up the importance of purification. It is reported that he used to say, "O Allăh I seek refuge in Thee from impure deeds and evil habits" (Bukhäri, 4: 9).
Purification is a required preliminary to prayer (Salät). The Holy Qur'än has also commanded the Prophet concerning cleanliness in this regard. "And thy Lord do magnify, and thy garments do purify, and cleanliness do shun (Qur'än ch. 74, verses 3-5). The Prophet has said in one of his Hadith that 'prayer is not accepted without purification and charity is not accepted out of what is acquired by unlawful means (Miskat 3: 1).
One of the Traditions of the Holy Prophet says that purification is the key of prayer. Ibn Mājah has reported from the Prophet who said: "Purification is one-half of the faith".
MEANING OF BATH [GHUSL]
Bath or Ghusl is taken to clean one's body or refresh one's sell. in Islam any small action performed with good intention is meritorious
L to earn one's bread lawfully, to eat, drink and sleep or having a bath.
The Holy Prophet has shown the best way to do all this by giving his Own example. As in other actions, there is a clear guidance about having ritual bath. It is certainly better to do it methodically rather tnan Just pouring water on one's body. Besides, there are certain occasions when bath becomes obligatory for a Muslim to clean himself.
It is obligatory, for example, to have a hath when semen comes out in youthful days whether during sleep or otherwise. Similarly, after intercourse with one's wife, the bath becomes obligatory for both husband as well as wife.
For women, it is essential to have bath after finishing the monthly course (Hayd). As soon as the blood stops, one should have a bath.
Similarly, when a woman gives a birth to a child and when the blood stops (Nafãs), it is essential to have a bath.
There are other Occasions when bath is recommended (Mustahab) but not obligatory, e.g. when a non-Muslim becomes a Muslim or when one gives a bath to a corpse or on Fridays or days of Id al-Fitr and ld al-Adha to prepare for the prayer. Those on whom bath is obligatory (Fard) should not touch the Holy Qur'ãn or enter a Mosque (Masjid).