Fatwa ID: 08152

Answered by Aalimah Khadija Tarwala

Question:

I am a young girl who may experience sexual/romantic thoughts from time to time. I am not sure if I release arousal fluid as I don’t feel it, but sometimes I might. I know arousal fluid is impure and must be cleaned through istinjah. My question is to what extent do I have to purify myself? Do I open up my external lips (labia majora) to cleanse the labia minora (inner vagina lips)? My vaginal hole is low so when I sit down on the toilet (western toilet) I can’t see my vagina hole. The only time I can see it is if I lie down and observe using a mirror. How can I clean the discharge from there if I can’t see my vaginal hole? When I use tissue to dry this area sometimes I may see clear/white discharge. Is this still arousal fluid or is it pure? I don’t like putting tissue in this area because it hurts when I rub it. It’s quite tedious and takes long. Do I always have to do this for istinjaah? I am suffering from waswas which makes this situation harder.

In the name of Allah, the Most Gracious, the Most Merciful

Answer:

In the Hanafi school of thought, the purification required for madhi (arousal fluid) is specific and clear. When madhi is released, it is considered impure (najis) and requires wudhu. Madhi does not require a full body wash in the same way that mani does. Water is sufficient for cleaning the external area (labia and surrounding skin). There is no need to open the labia majora (outer lips) or examine the vagina thoroughly. If tissue causes discomfort, water is a gentler and more effective cleaning solution. If you’re not sure if the discharge is madhi or regular vaginal discharge, remember that only madhi is impure. If the discharge is clear or white and not related to arousal, it is most likely pure. If you experience waswasa, don’t let it overwhelm you. Just wash the outside area and perform wudu as needed.

By following these guidelines, you will be able to maintain your state of purity for prayer without unnecessary stress or discomfort. Always remember that Islam encourages simplicity and ease in matters of purification.

References:

ليسَ في المذيِ والوَديِ غُسْلٌ، وفيهما الوضوءُ كتاب الجواهر من فقه الحنفية [سعد غدبوش] ص: 181 دار السمّان – إسطنبول

لو أصابَ المنيُّ البدَنَ: قال مشايخُنا: يَطهُرُ بالفَركِ كتاب الجواهر من فقه الحنفية [سعد غدبوش] ص: 181 دار السمّان – إسطنبول

ألحقنا في نهاية الرسالة جدولاً طبياً يوضح الأنواع المختلفة من الإفرازات من المهبل، حتى يمكن التمييز بين الإفرازات الطبيعية – الطاهرة وغير الناقضة للوضوء – وبين الإفرازات الناتجة عن الالتهابات المختلفة. كتاب ذخر المتأهلين والنساء للإمام البركوي البركوي ص: 305 دار الفكر

Only Allah knows best.
Written by Aalimah Khadija Tarwala.
Checked and approved by Mufti Mohammed Tosir Miah.
Darul Ifta Birmingham.