Fatwa ID: 07463

 

Answered by Alimah Shireen Mangera-Badat

 

Question:

 

I have issues with my ghusl concerning the validity of it due to specific barriers. I scrub my ears yet there is still some sort of wax at the part that curves. I sometimes scrub so hard it scabs. I also have some white patches in the middle of my chest. I’m not sure what it is but I also need to scrub hard for it to be removed.

 

I have an ear-piercing hole. How do I clean the inside of it? It’s closed but sometimes some sort of sebum comes out when I rub my piercing hole which is pretty much shut. I have some hard dirt on in my bellybutton it is extremely hard to remove as it’s engraved in the grooves of my skin. Lastly, I have an eye issue called blepharitis where dandruff-like flakes are on my eyelash and eyelid sometimes I finish my ghusl and see these flakes/crust on my eyelid and lash. Are the things mentioned barriers for my ghusl?

 

 

 

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

 

 

Answer:

 

In Hanafi Fiqh, the validity of ghusl (ritual purification) is based on ensuring that water reaches every part of the body, including the skin and all external parts that must be washed. However, certain conditions like wax in the ears, scabs, hard dirt, or medical conditions are addressed with flexibility. Let’s go through each of your concerns in light of Hanafi Fiqh:

 

1. Wax in the Ears:

 

In Hanafi Fiqh, it is required to wash the external part of the ears during ghusl, including the area of the ear that curves. However, excessive scrubbing that causes harm, such as scabs, is not necessary. The wax that forms naturally inside the ear is generally not considered a barrier to water unless it becomes solid and prevents water from reaching the skin.

 

• Ruling: Wax that is naturally present and does not completely block the area where water should reach does not invalidate ghusl. You should clean the external ear but not harm yourself by scrubbing excessively.

 

Reference: In Al-Hidayah (Volume 1, Kitab al-Tahara), it is stated that ghusl is valid as long as water reaches all external parts of the body that must be washed, and the ear is included in this, but no excessive effort should be made to harm oneself.

 

2. White Patches on Chest:

 

If there are white patches on your chest that require hard scrubbing to remove, these patches likely consist of dead skin or dirt. However, unless they completely block water from reaching the skin, they are not considered barriers. You are not required to scrub excessively to the point of causing harm.

 

• Ruling: As long as water is able to reach the skin, even if the white patches are not fully removed, your ghusl is valid. Scrubbing too hard to remove dead skin or patches is unnecessary if it harms the skin.

 

3. Ear Piercing Hole (Closed):

 

If your ear-piercing hole is effectively closed and some sebum or oil comes out occasionally when you rub it, this does not affect your ghusl. Water is only required to reach exposed areas of the skin and body. If the hole is closed, you are not obligated to force water into it.

 

• Ruling: Since the piercing is practically closed, there is no obligation to clean inside the hole. Simply washing the outer part of the ear and the surrounding skin is sufficient.

 

4. Hard Dirt in Bellybutton:

 

In Hanafi Fiqh, you are required to clean the belly button during ghusl. However, if there is hard dirt or grime that is deeply ingrained and cannot easily be removed without causing harm, this is not considered a barrier. It is sufficient to ensure that water reaches the area, and there is no need to cause pain or harm to remove deep grime.

 

• Ruling: As long as water reaches the area of the belly button, your ghusl is valid. You are not required to harm yourself to remove the hard dirt.

 

5. Blepharitis (Eye Condition):

 

Blepharitis causes flakes or crust on your eyelashes and eyelids. In Hanafi Fiqh, it is essential to wash the face during ghusl, but the presence of flakes on the eyelashes, caused by a medical condition, is not considered a barrier if they are difficult to remove.

 

 

• Ruling: As long as you make an effort to wash your face and water reaches your skin and lashes, the flakes or crust caused by a medical condition are not considered a barrier. You should not harm yourself by attempting to remove them forcefully.

 

 

 

General Principle in Hanafi Fiqh:

 

The basic principle in Hanafi Fiqh is that ghusl is valid as long as water reaches the skin and the necessary body parts, even if there are natural or medical issues that make it difficult to remove certain substances. You are not required to cause harm to yourself or excessively scrub your body. Allah says in the Qur’an:

 

 

“Allah does not intend to make difficulty for you, but He intends to purify you and complete His favor upon you that you may be grateful.” (Surah Al-Ma’idah, 5:6)

 

Conclusion:

 

• The wax in your ears, white patches on your chest, ear piercing holes, hard dirt in your belly button, and flakes from blepharitis are not considered barriers to ghusl as long as water is able to reach the skin and body parts that must be washed.

 

• Avoid scrubbing excessively or causing harm to yourself, as this is not required.

 

• Make a reasonable effort to ensure water reaches all necessary areas, and trust in Allah’s mercy and understanding of your physical limitations.

 

This ruling aligns with the principles of ease and flexibility in Islamic purification, which seeks to make worship manageable for all individuals, including those with medical or physical concerns.

 

 

 

Only Allah knows best.

Written by Alimah Shireen Mangera-Badat

Checked and approved by Mufti Mohammed Tosir Miah

Darul Ifta Birmingham