Ruling on the Imamate and Validity of Prayer by a Person Suffering from Continuous Urine Drops (Salas al-Bawl)
Source: Fatāwā Rāshidiyyah, p. 249
❖ Question:
Can a person suffering from salas al-bawl (continuous discharge of urine drops) lead the prayer in the absence of another imam?
❖ Answer:
الحمد لله، والصلاة والسلام على رسول الله، أما بعد!
✿ Salas al-bawl is a medical condition, just like other illnesses.
✿ Just as a person with another illness may lead prayer, similarly, a person suffering from salas al-bawl can also be an imam.
✿ If no other imam is present and this person is the most suitable for imamate, then praying in congregation behind him is better than praying separately.
✿ Prophetic Example
- On one occasion, the Messenger of Allah ﷺ fell and injured his leg, yet he led the people in prayer while sitting.
- The Companions رضي الله عنهم followed him and prayed in congregation.
- Likewise, in the final illness of the Prophet ﷺ, he also led prayer in a state of sickness.
From this it is clear that a sick person can lead prayer.✿ Important Clarification
- A person who neglects purification and does not take precautions to remain clean should not be followed in prayer.
- However, the one suffering from salas al-bawl is excused, as this is beyond his control.
- Therefore, when needed, it is valid to pray behind such a person.
Conclusion:A person suffering from continuous urine drops may serve as imam if necessary. His condition does not invalidate the prayer of those praying behind him, provided he strives to maintain cleanliness to the best of his ability.
