When is it necessary to perform Janabah Ghusl?

Q 4: When is it necessary to perform Janabah Ghusl (full ritual bath to cleanse of sexual discharge)? Does flirting with one's wife, such as foreplay without having intercourse, or touching without a barrier necessitate performing Ghusl or not?

A: It is necessary to perform Janabah Ghusl if Maniy (sperm/vaginal secretions that are released on orgasm) is discharged due to sexual lust, during sleep when having a sexual dream, or due to penetration even if Maniy was not discharged. The Prophet (peace be upon him) said: If the two circumcised parts (i.e. male and female genitals) have been in touch with one another [through penetration], Ghusl (full ritual bath) will become obligatory. There is another Hadith in which the Prophet (peace be upon him) said: If a man sits between the four limbs of a woman (i.e. takes the position of making sexual intercourse) and there is penetration, (Part No. 4; Page No. 141) Ghusl will become obligatory even if without the discharge of sperm. Moreover, Um Sulaym asked the Prophet of Allah (peace be upon him), 'Is Ghusl necessary for a woman when she has a sexual dream?' He (peace be upon him) said, 'Yes, if she sees a fluid (vaginal secretion).' (Agreed upon by Imams Al-Bukhari and Muslim) The fluid in the Hadith refers to Maniy. With regard to foreplay, if it is not accompanied with ejaculation of Maniy, it will not require Ghusl.May Allah grant us success. May peace and blessings be upon our Prophet Muhammad, his family, and Companions.