Dream - Before observing the Ramadan fast, Muslims, especially in Indonesia, usually perform a practice called "mandi puasa Ramadan" or the Ramadan fasting bath. However, the "mandi puasa Ramadan" itself is a recommended bath. On the other hand, if it is obligatory bathing, it is only done by Muslims who have major impurity. Therefore, they must perform obligatory bathing to become pure again. Meanwhile, "mandi puasa Ramadan" is only a recommendation that is done during the night of Ramadan.

However, it turns out that the opinions of scholars in responding to it are not always the same. Based on research, some scholars say that taking a shower before fasting in Ramadan is obligatory. They argue that this shower is a requirement for the validity of fasting. On the other hand, some other scholars state that taking a shower is merely disliked (makruh), which means it is not obligatory to be performed.

According to the opinions of scholars who say that bathing is obligatory, the reason is so that people who are fasting can have maximum cleanliness and be protected from things that can invalidate or damage their fasting. They believe that by bathing before fasting, those who are fasting will be protected from major impurities (such as sexual impurity) or minor impurities (such as urination and defecation). Therefore, their fasting will be more valid and meaningful.

They believe that fasting remains valid even if someone does not perform ablution beforehand. Although there are differences of opinion among scholars, the understanding and implementation of pre-Ramadan fasting shower is a personal decision for individual Muslims. It is advisable for us to learn and follow teachings that align with our own beliefs, prioritizing sincere intention and pure heart in performing the fasting worship.

Fasting in Ramadan is one of the obligatory pillars of Islam that must be observed by Muslims worldwide. To observe fasting properly, there are several requirements that must be fulfilled, including obligatory bathing and recommended bathing before starting the fasting worship. Obligatory bathing is a bathing that must be performed by someone who has major impurity. The requirements for obligatory bathing include sincere intention, using running water, and cleaning the entire body from impurities.

On the other hand, mandi sunah is a recommended bath to be taken before starting the Ramadan fasting. This bath is not obligatory, but highly recommended to prepare oneself for the fasting worship. This sunnah bath does not have specific requirements like the obligatory bath. The purpose of the sunnah bath is to purify oneself and reflect on the practice of fasting.

I intend to perform the recommended bathing tonight in the month of Ramadan for the sake of Allah Ta'ala.

Reading the intention of obligatory bathing. Washing the right and left hands three times. Cleaning the anus, genitals, and other dirty parts. For example, the armpits, navel, and spaces between the toes using the left hand. Washing both hands to remove dirt using soap or soil. Performing ablution as if preparing for prayer. Washing the hair and head from the roots to the ends. Pouring water over the head thoroughly three times.

Rinsing the body starts from the right side three times and continues to the left side. Make sure to clean the folds of the skin as well. After rinsing all parts of the body, you can take a shower as usual. Before leaving the bathroom, perform ablution again as if preparing for prayer.