Fatwa: Former Grand Mufti of Saudi Arabia, Sheikh Ibn Baz (may Allah have mercy on him)
Question:
I heard from a scholar that the discharge from a woman's body is pure. Since hearing this fatwa, I have not changed the affected clothing when performing prayers. After a long time, I heard from another scholar that such discharge is impure. What is the correct ruling in this matter?
Answer:
Any fluid or similar substance that exits from the front (vagina) or back (anus) breaks wudu (ablution). If it gets on clothing or the body, it must be washed. If this occurs regularly, it falls under the ruling of istihada (non-menstrual vaginal bleeding) or continuous urinary incontinence. This means the woman must perform istinja (cleaning the private parts) and then perform wudu for every prayer because the Prophet (peace be upon him) told a woman experiencing istihada:
"Perform wudu for every prayer time."
(Narrated by Abu Dawood, Book of Purification)
If only gas is expelled, then wudu must be performed for prayer, but there is no need for istinja. In the case of discharge, one must perform wudu as done for regular prayer, which includes washing the hands, rinsing the mouth, inhaling water into the nose, washing the face, washing the arms up to the elbows, wiping over the head, and washing the feet including the ankles. The same ruling applies to sleeping, touching the private parts, and eating camel meat; in all these cases, wudu is necessary.
And Allah knows best.
Question:
I heard from a scholar that the discharge from a woman's body is pure. Since hearing this fatwa, I have not changed the affected clothing when performing prayers. After a long time, I heard from another scholar that such discharge is impure. What is the correct ruling in this matter?
Answer:
Any fluid or similar substance that exits from the front (vagina) or back (anus) breaks wudu (ablution). If it gets on clothing or the body, it must be washed. If this occurs regularly, it falls under the ruling of istihada (non-menstrual vaginal bleeding) or continuous urinary incontinence. This means the woman must perform istinja (cleaning the private parts) and then perform wudu for every prayer because the Prophet (peace be upon him) told a woman experiencing istihada:
"Perform wudu for every prayer time."
(Narrated by Abu Dawood, Book of Purification)
If only gas is expelled, then wudu must be performed for prayer, but there is no need for istinja. In the case of discharge, one must perform wudu as done for regular prayer, which includes washing the hands, rinsing the mouth, inhaling water into the nose, washing the face, washing the arms up to the elbows, wiping over the head, and washing the feet including the ankles. The same ruling applies to sleeping, touching the private parts, and eating camel meat; in all these cases, wudu is necessary.
And Allah knows best.