According to the practice of the Prophet (saws) the correct manner of performing ghusl after making intention to purify oneself and saying ‘Bismillah’ is:
wash both hands three times,
wash the private parts,
make a complete ablution (like the one made for prayer--the Prophet(saws) used to delay washing his feet until the end of his ghusl),
rub water through one's hair three times, letting the water reach down to the roots of the hair,
pour water over the entire body, beginning with the right side, then the left, washing under the armpits, inside the ears, inside the navel, inside the toes and whatever part of the body can be easily rubbed. This account is based on the following report from 'Aishah, the wife of the Prophet (saws): "When the Prophet (saws) took his bath after sexual intercourse, he would begin by washing his hands. Then he would pour water from his right hand to his left and wash his sexual organs, make the ablution for prayer, take some water and put his fingers to the roots of his hair to the extent that he sees that the skin is wet, then pour water over his head three times and then over the rest of his body." (Related by al-Bukhari and Muslim.) In one narration it states, "He (saws) used to rub his head with his hands until he was certain the water reached his skin, and then he poured water over it three times." It is also related that she said, "When the Prophet (saws) would perform ghusl after having had sexual intercourse, he would call for some water, which he would pour on his right hand to wash the right side of his head and then the left. He would then take water with both hands and pour it over his head." Said Maimunah, the wife of the Prophet (saws) "I put water out for the Messenger of Allah (saws) to perform ghusl. He washed his hands two or three times, and then he poured water from his right hand to his left and washed his private parts, wiped his hands on the earth, rinsed his mouth and nose, washed his face and hands, washed his head three times, poured water over his body, and finally moved from his place and washed his feet. I brought him a towel, but he did not take it, for he shook the water off with his hands." (Related by Bukhari, Muslim, Tirmidhi, Abu Dawood.)
The Sunnah and proper way to do ‘ghusl’ or purify oneselfis to first make an intention in heart that one intends to purify himself/herself. Then say, “Bismillah”, and wash the private parts thoroughly, preferably with soap, etc. Then do the wudu (ablution) as one would do at the time of prayer. And then, finally, take a full bath and pour water all over the body, making sure no part remains dry.
The above was the Way the Messenger of Allah (saws) himself used to do ‘ghusl’ or take the full bath to purify himself, and that is what he (saws) taught the believers.
