Can a Woman Who is in a State of Impurity Cook or Touch Things?

Should we bathe immediately after sex?

There is no set time limit within which a woman who is in a state of major ritual impurity has to do Ghusl . It has to do with the performance of prayers and other acts of worship where purity is required. 

Can you delay Ghusl until the time for the next prayer?

There is no harm in delaying Ghusl until the time for the next prayer comes, so long as the prayer before it has been performed in a state of purity. But it is recommended for the Muslim to hasten to do Ghusl so that he will always be in a state of purity, as is the Sunnah, and because the angels do not come near a person who is in a state of major ritual impurity. 

The Prophet (peace and blessings of Allah be upon him) said: “There are three things which the angels do not approach: the dead body of a disbeliever, a man who has perfumed himself with saffron (because this is frivolous and foolish behaviour, and is an imitation of women – Qayd al-Qadir, 3/325), and a person who is in a state of major ritual impurity, until he does Ghusl.” (Narrated by Abu Dawud, 4180; classed as sahih by Al-Albani in Sahih Abi Dawud, 3522).

If a woman is busy and it is not easy for her to do Ghusl from major ritual impurity straight after intercourse, this does not affect her and she is not impure. It is sufficient for her to do Wudu, to reduce the major ritual impurity and so that the angels will come near her.

Can women who are in a state of major ritual impurity cook or touch things?

The claim that some people make, that it is prohibited for a woman who is in a state of major ritual impurity to touch things and to do certain things , is all innovated (Bid`ah) and false ideas which have no basis in Islam. This false belief is based on false and fabricated Hadiths that have been narrated on this topic. 

Shaykh Ash-Shuqairi (may Allah have mercy on him) said: 

“Among these false ideas is the notion that if a woman who is in a state of major ritual impurity kneads dough, it becomes corrupt because of her major impurity, and that the blessing will vanish from everything her hand touches.” (As-Sunan wal Mubtada`at, p. 31)

A similar question was submitted to Al-Lajnah Ad-Da’imah wal Buhuth. (5/318 – Al-Fatawa). The text of their response is as follows:

“Praise be to Allah Alone, and blessings and peace be upon His Messenger and his family and Companions.

Yes, it is permissible for a person – whether a man or a woman – who is in a state of major ritual impurity to touch things such as clothes, plates, pots, etc., before doing Ghusl, because this person is not impure and does not make the things he or she touches impure. 

It was reported in an authentic Hadith that Abu Hurayrah (may Allah be pleased with him) was with the Prophet (peace and blessings of Allah be upon him) one day; then he withdrew from him, then he came back. The Prophet (peace and blessings of Allah be upon him) said to him: “Where were you, O Abu Hurayrah?” He said, “I was in a state of major ritual impurity and I did not want to sit with you when I was not pure.” The Prophet (peace and blessings of Allah be upon him) said: “Subhan Allah, a Muslim does not become impure.” (Narrated by Al-Bukhari, 1/333)

And Allah is the Source of strength. May Allah bless our Prophet Muhammad and his family and Companions and grant them peace.”

For more details, please see the following answers: 8828 , 20847 , 27091 , 6533 , and 181351 . 

And Allah knows best.