Fatwa ID: 02364

Answered by: Ustadha Mahdiyah Siddique

Question:

When I wake up sometimes I notice large parts of wetness on my underwear and trousers. (I think mani, semen sperm) sometimes I don't remember having a dream but see wetness when I wake up. Is this pure? Also do I need to change my bed duvet cover and bed sheets every time I notice wetness on my clothes?

Answer

بسم الله الرحمن الرحيم

In response to your question; 

This case will be split into two sections,

Firstly, one must understand the two types (of fluid) – Mani and Madhi.

Mani – is the ejaculatory discharge of spermatic fluid accompanied with feelings of pleasure (by the male or female), this makes full ablution (Ghusl) obligatory. (Mukhtasar al-Qudoori, p19, Maktaba Bushra, Karachi Pakistan)

Madhi – is pre-ejaculatory fluid emitted when thinking or desiring intercourse (not accompanied by feelings of pleasure); only requires partial ablution (Wudhu). (Ibn al-Qudama in al-Mughni [1/168])

However if uncertainty arises as to which of the two it is (whether it is Mani or Madhi) then it is still obligatory to perform Ghusl.

Furthermore, the requirement of Ghusl still stands if one is unable to remember whether they have had an erotic dream or not, on the basis of the narration by Aisha (radhiallahu anha); The Prophet (sallahu alaihi wa sallam) was asked about a person who found moisture (on his body or clothes) but did not remember the sexual dream. He replied: He should take a bath. He was asked about a person who remembered that he had a sexual dream but did not find moisture. He replied: Bath is not necessary for him. Umm Salamah then asked: Is washing necessary for a woman if she sees that (in her dream)? He replied: Yes. Women are counterpart of men. (Sunan Abu Dawud, Hadith no. 236, p1239, Al-Kutub Al-Sitta: Darussalam)

Secondly, in regards to the purity of clothing and bedding,

In the presence of Mani, although the clothing will be said to be pure; the wetness would need to be washed off but if it happens to dry on the garment then scraping it off will be sufficient. (Mukhtasar al-Qudoori, p52, Maktaba Bushra, Karachi Pakistan also Ibn al-Qudama in al-Mughni [1/763])

Madhi on the other hand is considered to be impure and does not become pure by drying; one would be required to wash that area where it is found. (Sunan Tirmidhi, Hadith no. 115, p1644, Al-Kutub Al-Sitta: Darussalam)

Taking into account the above mentioned rulings and your scenario (assuming that this is Mani), you would be required to have a Ghusl, any clothing that has come into contact with the fluid will need to be washed (if still wet) or can be scraped off if dry in addition to this, the same ruling will apply for the bedding.

Only Allah Knows Best

Written by Ustadha Mahdiyah Siddique

Checked and approved by Mufti Mohammed Tosir Miah

Darul Ifta Birmingham