Does the dirt under nails prevent ghusl?

- What kind of things under nails prevent ghusl? Even if a person does not dirty his nails, a yellowish layer forms under nails; we notice it when we clean it with something. Does it prevent ghusl?
- Do the substances that stick on the skin and the dirt on the body prevent ghusl?

Dear Brother / Sister,

Before ghusl, the substances that prevent water from touching the skin need to be removed, as it is the case with wudu. Otherwise, ghusl does not become valid.

For instance, dough, nail polish and similar substances that dry and remain on the nail prevents water from touching the skin. It is necessary to remove them before ghusl. Normal dirt that is not like oil paint does not prevent water from touching the skin. If the trace of dirt is still seen on an organ that is washed with water without soap, it does not prevent ghusl because water has touched the skin. However, what is appropriate in terms of sunnah is to make ghusl after cleaning it properly. The same thing is valid for people living in the country and city. 

Mud and soil that enter under the nail is like that. Paint and similar substances that stick on the nails of tanners and painters and that enter under them prevent water but scholars regard it permissible due to the difficulty of cleaning them. In that case, the obligatory cases (that are very difficult to avoid) should be regarded as exceptions to the general decree. For, religious rules permit it.  

However, fish scale that sticks to the skin and chewed piece of bread need to be removed if they prevent water from touching the skin. For, it is possible to avoid them; there is no obligatory state.

In addition, since it is not possible to remove the dirt of flea and fly, they are not regarded to prevent ghusl when they stick to the skin. However, it is sunnah to wash and clean them properly. This issue is mentioned in al-Muhit and Fatawa al-Hindiyya.

If the crusts and scabs that occur on the skin due to an illness like smallpox and eczema are attached to the skin, they do not prevent ghusl. If those crusts and scabs exfoliate and fall after they are washed, it is not necessary to make ghusl again.  

There is no need to wash the inside of the eye in ghusl and wudu. It is stated to be permissible in al-Muhit of Sarakhsi and in Fatawa al-Hindiyya.

(Celal Yıldırım, Kaynaklarıyla İslam Fıkhı, Uysal Kitabevi: 1/50-51.)

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