Drinking water instead of gargling during Ghusl

Q. If a person drinks water whilst making Ghusl, does it count as gargling the mouth and will the Ghusl be valid?

A. There are 3 obligatory (Fardh) acts in Ghusl:

1. Cleansing the mouth thoroughly
2. Rinsing the nostrils thoroughly
3. Passing water over the entire body

In the enquired case, if one simply drank water during Ghusl without actually cleansing the mouth thoroughly, the Ghusl will be invalid and incomplete. However, if the water reached the sides and the entire mouth before drinking water, the Ghusl will be considered valid and complete. (Al-Muheet-ul-Buhaani 1/81)

Allah Ta’ala Knows Best

Mufti Ismaeel Bassa

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