Fatwa ID: 04662

Answered by: Maulana Ishaaq Hussain

Question

Assalamu Alaikum Sheikh, Is ghusl obligatory if semen is discharged which is less than a dirham size?

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

Answer

Allah Subhanahu Wa Ta’ala mentions in the Holy Qur’an: Oh those who believe do not go near salaah when you are intoxicated until you know what you say, nor in a state of ‘major impurity’- save when you are traversing away until you take a bath” (4:43)

Saaidah Aaisha Radiallahu Anha relates that the Prophet of Allah Sallallahu Alahi Wasalam was asked about a man who finds wetness (semen from ejaculation) but does not remember having a wet dream. So He Sallallahu Alahi Wasalam said, “He must perform ghusl” and he was asked about a man who thinks he had a wet dream but finds not wetness. So He Sallallahu Alayhi Wasalam said: “he does not have to perform ghusl.” So Umm Sulaim Radiallahu Anha asked if a woman finds wetness, does she have to perform ghusl? He said; yes, women are the partners of men.” (Sunan Abi Dawud p.35 v.1and Sunan Tirmidhi 104)

Sayyidna Ali Radiyallahu Anhu asked the Holy Prophet Sallallahu Alaihi Wasallam about Mazi, he said ablution is Waajib after mazi, but Bath is Waajib after Mani (i.e. sperm) (Sunan Tirmidhi 114)

The discharge of sperm to the surface of the body obligates Ghusl, provided it separates from its location due to sexual arousal. This can occur due to a sexual dream or fantasizing and applies to both males and females. If however, one is struck in the back and consequently discharges semen, he is not required to perform ghusl but instead, he will perform wudu, the reason being is that sperm did not discharge due to sexual arousal. (Nurul Idah p.37 and Baheshti Zewar p.71)

With regards to your question, the discharge of sperm with sexual desire makes ghusl obligatory, irrespective of how much comes out or not.  

Only Allah Knows Best

Written by Maulana Ishaaq Hussain

Checked and approved by Mufti Mohammed Tosir Miah

Darul Ifta Birmingham