Ghusl (full-body ritual purification) is required in Islam in certain situations, such as after sexual intercourse, menstruation, or childbirth bleeding. Here’s how to properly perform Ghusl:

1. Intention (Niyyah): Begin with the intention (niyyah) in your heart to purify yourself for the sake of Allah. The intention does not need to be spoken, just firmly made in the heart.

2. Bismillah (Saying “In the Name of Allah”): Before starting, say “Bismillah” (In the name of Allah) and then wash your hands thoroughly.

3. Wash the private parts: Clean your private parts thoroughly to remove any impurity (najasa).

4. Perform Wudu (ablution): Perform the regular Wudu (ablution), washing the hands, mouth, nose, face, arms, and feet as you would for prayer. However, unlike Wudu, in Ghusl, you do not need to wash your feet immediately (they can be washed later, after the full body washing).

5. Wash the head and hair: Wet your hair and scalp completely. If the hair is long, make sure to run water through the roots of your hair. If you have braids or thick hair, it’s necessary to ensure water reaches the roots.

6. Wash the entire body: Pour water over your body, starting with the right side and then the left, ensuring that water reaches every part, including your armpits, between the fingers and toes, and under the nails.

7. Ensure no area is left dry: Make sure that every part of the body, including areas like behind the ears, the navel, and the spaces between fingers and toes, is washed.

8. Optional Steps: If you wish, you can use soap or shampoo during the washing process, as long as the main requirement (thorough washing of the body with water) is fulfilled.

Once completed, you are considered ritually pure and can perform prayers, recite the Quran, and engage in other acts of worship.