Purifying From Pre-ejaculatory Fluid at Work

Question:

Assalamualaikum, it is my understanding that one must do ghusl (obligatory bath) if one secretes semen. But ghusl is not required for pre-cum. Still one must change the article of clothing? If this is the case, then what if an individual is out i.e. at work, and is not in a position to do so? Can he pray the fard prayers? Keeping that he cleans his private parts and slightly washes the article of clothing also? Is the prayer accepted?

Country: Sri Lanka

Answer:

Wa alaykum salam wa rahmatuLlahi wa barakatuHu,

In Sharh al-Muhadhdhab v. 2, p. 552, Imam Nawawi related that there is an ijma’ [consensus] established that madhi is an impurity. While, it is an impurity which one can purify from. In our School, it is necessary that it be washed and merely splashing water on it does not suffice. We base this understanding on the hadith wherein washing is specified, “He washes his private and performs ablution. Yaghsilu dhakarahu wa yatawadda’u.” (Sahih Muslim v. 3, p. 557) Additionally, we find the ruling to analogously correspond to that of other impurities.

There is an opinion related from Imam Ahmad who maintained that one can merely splash water to wet [nadh] the affected spot. Imam Ahmad’s view is supported by a hadith in Sahih Muslim v. 3, p. 557, “Perform ablution and splash water [wa-ndah] on your private.”

The Shafi’is responded to this by saying that nadh can mean either washing or splashing water on something, and the other narrations specify washing; therefore, this narration’s meaning – the meaning of nadh – is considered in light of those.

Be that as it may, someone in a difficult circumstance could find a dispensation with Imam Ahmad and his understanding of the hadith.

In addition, there is an ijma’ established that the exiting of madhi does not necessitate a ghusl [a ritual bath]; while, according to the majority is does necessitate wudu’ [ablution]. (Sharh Sahih Muslim v. 3, p. 557)

If madhi exits, and the time for prayer arrives, then one must both wash the affected spot and also perform ablution. The fard prayer must not be neglected.

And Allah knows best.

Shafiifiqh.com Fatwa Dept.