Bathing
To bathe the entire body in unused, clean water at least once a week[edit]
"It hath been enjoined upon you to pare your nails, to bathe yourselves each week in water that covereth your bodies, and to clean yourselves with whatsoever ye have formerly employed. Take heed lest through negligence ye fail to observe that which hath been prescribed unto you by Him Who is the Incomparable, the Gracious. Immerse yourselves in clean water; it is not permissible to bathe yourselves in water that hath already been used. See that ye approach not the public pools of Persian baths; whoso maketh his way toward such baths will smell their fetid odour ere he entereth therein. Shun them, O people, and be not of those who ignominiously accept such vileness. In truth, they are as sinks of foulness and contamination, if ye be of them that apprehend. Avoid ye likewise the malodorous pools in the courtyards of Persian homes, and be ye of the pure and sanctified. Truly, We desire to behold you as manifestations of paradise on earth, that there may be diffused from you such fragrance as shall rejoice the hearts of the favoured of God."
- (Bahá'u'lláh, Kitáb-i-Aqdas, par. 106)
"To bathe in clean water"
Pouring water over the body (as in a shower?) is permitted and stated as being preferable to mere immersion)[edit]
"If the bather, instead of entering the water, wash himself by pouring it upon his body, it shall be better for him and shall absolve him of the need for bodily immersion. The Lord, verily, hath willed, as a bounty from His presence, to make life easier for you that ye may be of those who are truly thankful."
- (Bahá'u'lláh, Kitáb-i-Aqdas, par. 106)
Believers exhorted to bathe regularly[edit]
"The believers are exhorted in the Kitáb-i-Aqdas to bathe regularly...and generally to be the essence of cleanliness and refinement. The Synopsis and Codification, section IV.D.3.y.i.-vii., summarizes the relevant provisions.
- (Notes to the Kitáb-i-Aqdas, no. 167)
Bathing and ablutions[edit]
On the inadequacy of bathing serving as one's ablutions, see ablutions.
