4 Rulings Regarding Istinjā’ Without Urinating or Defecating
📚 Source: Fatāwā ad-Dīn al-Khāliṣ, Volume 1, Page 303
❖ Question:
Is it obligatory to perform istinjā’ (cleansing of private parts) when one has not urinated or defecated?
✅ Answer:
الحمد لله، والصلاة والسلام علىٰ رسول الله، أما بعد!
The rulings on istinjā’ in various scenarios are as follows:
➊ Istinjā’ After Defecation is Obligatory
If one passes stool, then performing istinjā’ is wājib (obligatory).
This is established by clear commands from the Sunnah requiring removal of physical impurity after defecation.
➋ Istinjā’ After Passing Wind is an Innovation (Bid‘ah)
If only wind (flatulence) is released from the body, then performing istinjā’ afterward is considered a bid‘ah (innovation).
This practice, particularly found among some women, has no basis in Sharʿī evidence.
These individuals mistakenly believe that istinjā’ is required in the following cases:
◈ When wind passes out
◈ When blood is released
◈ After vomiting
✅ In these cases, wudū’ (ablution) is required, not istinjā’.
➌ Using the Toilet Before Prayer Time
If a person defecates before the entry of prayer time, and cleanses themselves then:
◈ Once the prayer time begins, it is sufficient for them to only perform wudū’.
◈ Repeating istinjā’ in this case is not required.
📌 **Re-performing istinjā’ without new impurity is a form of baseless doubt (waswasah) and a reprehensible innovation.
➍ Reference from Scholars
Imām Ibn ʿUthaymīn رحمه الله states in Fatāwā Ibn ʿUthaymīn (Volume 4, Page 116):
“Repetition of istinjā’ without the occurrence of impurity is unnecessary and should be avoided, as it is rooted in unwarranted scrupulosity.”
🟩 Summary:
✔ Istinjā’ is obligatory only after visible impurity (urine or stool).
✔ Performing istinjā’ without actual need (e.g., after wind or without impurity) is an innovation.
✔ Repeating istinjā’ before prayer time after it has already been done is also discouraged.
✔ Islam teaches ease and avoids unnecessary burden in acts of purity.
ھٰذا ما عندي، واللہ أعلم بالصواب
