Fatwa ID: 04840

Answered by: Mufti Mohammed Tosir Miah

Question

I tend to use excessive water during istinja and shower. Like, I have this extreme waswasah problem. My question is that (because I’ve read this) water entering into the front and rear private parts via washing during istinja or shower really break the fast? Like, I feel I can somehow wash the front private part three or four times in a way and still somehow avoid water from going inside my front part, but I’m still really unsure about the rear part. You’ve written in one of your answers that if water enters as long as the suppository reaches, the fast would be invalidated. Can you please tell me how long a suppository is? Is there any excuse for someone like me? During the shower, I’ve great doubt that water enters the rear part because I wash it thoroughly and might slightly allow the water to enter in an effort to make sure that it is properly washed as I draw apart the ass cheeks to allow water to reach the anus for proper washing. Please guide me, what should I do.

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

Answer

Generally speaking, istinja does not break one’s fast. The ruling where it says that istinja breaks your fast actually means is that water should not enter very deep into the anus. The definition of this limit is the place where the tampon reaches, which is roughly three inches. (Kitabul Fiqh Ala Mazahibul Arba p.918 v.1)

However, I do advise you not to burden yourself when doing istinja as there is no need to make the water enter the anus so much on the grounds that this is more cleansing.

Only Allah Knows Best

Written by Mufti Mohammed Tosir Miah

Darul Ifta Birmingham