Fatwa by Former Grand Mufti of Saudi Arabia, Sheikh Ibn Baz (may Allah have mercy on him)
Question:
What is the Sharia ruling if a person doubts whether their Wudu (ablution) has broken or not?
Answer:
If a person is in doubt about whether their Wudu has broken or remains intact, the basic principle is that the state of purity (Taharah) remains intact, and doubt does not affect it. This is because when the Prophet (peace be upon him) was asked about a person who feels something during prayer, he said:
"He should not leave [the prayer] unless he hears a sound or detects a smell."
[Narrated by Muslim]
The Prophet (peace be upon him) clearly stated for such a person that the original state is purity and cleanliness until the state of impurity (losing Wudu) is confirmed in reality. As long as there is doubt, their Taharah (purity) is valid and established. Therefore, it is permissible for them to pray, perform Tawaf around the Kaaba, and recite the Quran. This is the fundamental principle. Praise be to Allah, this is a manifestation of the ease and grace found in Islam.
Question:
What is the Sharia ruling if a person doubts whether their Wudu (ablution) has broken or not?
Answer:
If a person is in doubt about whether their Wudu has broken or remains intact, the basic principle is that the state of purity (Taharah) remains intact, and doubt does not affect it. This is because when the Prophet (peace be upon him) was asked about a person who feels something during prayer, he said:
"He should not leave [the prayer] unless he hears a sound or detects a smell."
[Narrated by Muslim]
The Prophet (peace be upon him) clearly stated for such a person that the original state is purity and cleanliness until the state of impurity (losing Wudu) is confirmed in reality. As long as there is doubt, their Taharah (purity) is valid and established. Therefore, it is permissible for them to pray, perform Tawaf around the Kaaba, and recite the Quran. This is the fundamental principle. Praise be to Allah, this is a manifestation of the ease and grace found in Islam.