Female Discharge

http://www.daruliftaa.com/node/7673?txt_QuestionID

I have regular discharge. I wanted to know if that requires wudu, ghusl or none.

Also, I heard that discharge with desire makes ghuls necessary. What does that mean? How does a woman know if they released something due to desire and how do you know when to do ghusl. Especially for women who discharge regularly.

<ANSWER>

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

Discharge experienced by women can be of many types: maniy, madhi, wadi, or discharge which is none of the above three.

1) Maniy is a sexual fluid which exits the private parts with ‘extreme’ desire (orgasm) or sexual climax (meaning, at the peak of sexual excitement) with sexual fulfilment and is accompanied by contractions, such as during sexual intercourse. For women, it is a thin yellow fluid. A Ghusl is necessary after the exiting of Maniy, and it is impure. The discharge of Maniy can also take place during sleep, and also through the unlawful act of masturbation. It is a common discharge in men, and not so common in women.

2) Madhy is a pre-sexual fluid which exits when one is aroused, e.g. sexual thoughts, foreplay, etc.

3) Wady is a fluid which exits after urinating.

Only Wudu is necessary after Madhy and Wady, but both are impure.

Note that the difference between Maniy and the other two is that in the case of Maniy the desire has to reach its peak and climax (orgasm) and there are also contractions, whilst in the case of Madhy and Wady, it is only mild arousal.

4) The fourth typeof discharge requires some detail:

a) At times, the ‘discharge’ could simply be the natural moisture/sweat of the body. This moisture is produced on the outside, i.e. the vulva, which is naturally a moist organ. This moisture/sweat is pure and does not necessitate Ghusl or Wudu.

b) Another possibility is that it could be actual discharge from the vagina (the part which is penetrated during sexual intercourse). This too is a moist organ because of the glands on the walls which secrete moisture for cleansing and comfort purposes. This “chronic female vaginal discharge” (called rutubat al-farj) is also pure and does not invalidate Wudu unless it is discoloured with blood or Madhy. This discharge is not due to illness and comes out normally and regularly in many women, and is clear white and not discoloured. When possible, it is better to perform Wudu in this case but not necessary.

c) Another type of discharge is that which comes from beyond the vagina, such as the cervix, and usually secretes when ovulating and is stretchy and clear. The discharge from anywhere beyond the vagina is considered impure and invalidates Wudu. (Based mainly on Shaykh Ashraf Ali Thanawi’s Imdad al-Fatawa 1/65 and Rad al-Muhtar)

(قَوْلُهُ: بِرُطُوبَةِ الْفَرْجِ) أَيْ: الدَّاخِلِ بِدَلِيلِ قَوْلِهِ أَوْلَجَ. وَأَمَّا رُطُوبَةُ الْفَرْجِ الْخَارِجِ فَطَاهِرَةٌ اتِّفَاقًا اهـ ح. وَفِي مِنْهَاجِ الْإِمَامِ النَّوَوِيِّ رُطُوبَةُ الْفَرْجِ لَيْسَتْ بِنَجِسَةٍ فِي الْأَصَحِّ. قَالَ ابْنُ حَجَرٍ فِي شَرْحِهِ: وَهِيَ مَاءٌ أَبْيَضُ مُتَرَدِّدٌ بَيْنَ الْمَذْيِ وَالْعَرَقِ يَخْرُجُ مِنْ بَاطِنِ الْفَرْجِ الَّذِي لَا يَجِبُ غَسْلُهُ، بِخِلَافِ مَا يَخْرُجُ مِمَّا يَجِبُ غَسْلُهُ فَإِنَّهُ طَاهِرٌ قَطْعًا، وَمِنْ وَرَاءِ بَاطِنِ الْفَرْجِ فَإِنَّهُ نَجِسٌ قَطْعًا كَكُلِّ خَارِجٍ مِنْ الْبَاطِنِ كَالْمَاءِ الْخَارِجِ مَعَ الْوَلَدِ أَوْ قُبَيْلَهُ. اهـ. وَسَنَذْكُرُ فِي آخِرِ بَابِ الِاسْتِنْجَاءِ أَنَّ رُطُوبَةَ الْوَلَدِ طَاهِرَةٌ وَكَذَا السَّخْلَةُ وَالْبَيْضَةُ. (قَوْلُهُ: أَمَّا عِنْدَهُ) أَيْ: عِنْدَ الْإِمَامِ، وَظَاهِرُ كَلَامِهِ فِي آخِرِ الْفَصْلِ الْآتِي أَنَّهُ الْمُعْتَمَدُ (رد المحتار)

And Allah knows best

[Mawlana] Ibrahim Peerbhai

Checked and approved by:

[Mufti] Muhammad ibn Adam
Darul Iftaa
Leicester , UK

I am aware that non?menstrual discharge breaks wudhu. Can you please clarify the following:

Does one have to change the underwear following the discharge?

Does one have to wash oneself around the area of discharge before performing new wudhu or is wiping with a wet tissue sufficient?

Is it true that if one places a thick layer of cotton into the vagina, and the discharge does not seep through to the cotton onto the panty, then the wudhu is not broken.

If after making fresh wudhu, one begins to make their salah and during the salah you suspect you have had a fresh discharge, should one break their salah and make fresh wudhu. Also should one check after every four or two rakahs to make sure that no fresh discharge has taken place.

In the name of Allah, the most Beneficent, the most Merciful.

Answer 1

Discharge is considered as Najaasat Ghaleeza (heavy type of impurity) and washing is wajib, if the impurity covers an area greater than the size of a dirham. If it is less than a dirham, then the salah performed in this manner will be discharged. This does not mean one should leave minor impurities on one’s clothes, as to perform salah without washing even the minimum allowed limit is makruh. (Nurul Idaah p.51 –p.54 & p.88)

Answer 2

It will be best to wash it, in particular, if water is readily available, otherwise, wet wipes or wet tissues would be sufficient as the skin does not absorb fluids, so by wiping it with a wet cloth will be satisfactory. (Nurul Idah p.54)

Answer 3

If a woman is suffering from regular vaginal discharge then one should insert a tampon, pad, and cotton inside to prevent the discharge from coming. Until the discharge does not show on the area of the pad, which is beyond the inner part of the vagina, wudhu will not break. (Fatawa Mahmoodiyah p.197 v.16)

Answer 4

If the discharge is continuous to the extent that you are unable to do wudhu and read the compulsory rakaats of the fardh prayer you will be considered a Mazoor.

A Ma’zoor shall make Wudhu for every Fardh Salah. The wudhu of a Ma’zoor remains valid for the duration of the Salah time and all the factors which break wudhu besides the factor responsible for making one Ma’zoor, will nullify the wudhu of a Ma’zoor. (Ahsanul Fatawa p.77 v.2 & Fatawa Darul Uloom Deoband p.298 v.1)

If the clothes have been soiled with either mani or mazi equivalent to the size of the hollow portion of the palm[3], then the clothes will become impure. It will not be permissible to perform salāh with such clothes until the impurity is washed off. If you have already preformed ghusal and then wore the same clothes, it will not be necessary to repeat the ghusal.

If the bed sheet, blanket etc. are dry, then the clothes or the body will not become impure (najis). However, if the person’s body is wet, for example, due to sweat, and the effect of the impurity became apparent on the clothes or the body, then the body or clothes will become impure.[4]

Q: What is the Islamic ruling on vaginal discharge that females commonly experience? Many ladies are confused about this issue, especially when they get different answers from various Ulema.

A: There are basically three types of vaginal fluid that Shariah has ruled on. Two are mentioned above, viz. Moisture inside the vagina, secreted from membranes that line the vagina, and fluid that flows from the cervix into the vagina. The third type of moisture is that which is found on the outer labia or the lips of the vagina. Sometimes this fluid also flows onto the area outside the vagina.

Medically fluids that exit from the vagina can come from the cervix or neck of the uterus, or from glands inside the vagina itself. Sometimes the source of these fluids is attributed to the fallopian tubes. Clearly this is difficult for a woman to determine. Therefore, the following rules, based largely on the view of Imam Abu Hanifa (rahmatullahi alayhi) will perhaps ease matters for our sisters:

1) Moisture that is secreted from the lining of the vagina is a matter of dispute among the former Jurists. Imam Abu Hanifa, and majority of the Shaafi’ Scholars hold that such moisture is paak or clean, and does not nullify wudhu if it flows out. We, therefore, maintain that the normal discharge a women experiences will not nullify wudhu.

2) A ‘normal’ discharge is usually clear, cloudy or whitish, moderate in quantity, thin or slightly viscous, and with a mild odour. This does NOT break wudhu.

3) A discharge that is yellowish or greenish, and very thick, with a strong odour or bad stench should be regarded as impure and will nullify wudhu, for such a discharge is definitely from an area beyond the vagina, and may include the fallopian tubes, the womb, or ovaries.

4) Underwear that is soiled by this fluid has to be washed. Women who suffer excessive discharge of this nature shall have to use pads to absorb the flow and thus protect the underwear. These pads also have to be changed regularly, as mentioned under the rules of istihaadha.

5) If the discharge is so continuous that the woman qualifies as a ma’zhoor, then the same rules will apply as that of istihaadha.

6) Salaah in underwear that is soiled to the extent of about 12 centimetres in diameter will not be valid and will have to be repeated.

7) Moisture that is found on the lips of the vagina (outer labia or labia minora) is paak and does not break wudhu. If this fluid gets onto the underwear, it is not necessary for a woman to wash them. Likewise, it is not necessary to wash the private part when such moisture is noticed. However, it is sunnah to wash the outer labia before making wudhu for salaah. This is sunnah, not compulsory; so if a woman does not wash there, her salaah will still be valid.

http://askimam.org/public/question_detail/25947
we women always have white discharge. it means that it breaks wudhu and so we have to do wudu for all the time for every prayer.

does this still mean that on the time when we have white discharge we cannot read the holy quran?

Answer

In the Name of Allah, the Most Gracious, the Most Merciful.

As-salāmu ‘alaykum wa-rahmatullāhi wa-barakātuh.

In the books of Fiqh (Jurisprudence), the Fuqahā (Jurists) generally state the rulings for three types of fluids (discharges) experienced by women.[i] They are as follows:

•  Fluid produced in the Farj al-Khārij (Vulva-the external region of the vagina)

•  Fluid produced in the Farj ad-Dākhil (Vagina)

•  Fluid produced anywhere beyond the Farj ad-Dākhil (beyond the vagina)

With regards to the first type of fluid, the Fuqahā state that any moisture produced in the Vulva is pure and does not invalidate Wudhū.

Regarding the second type of fluid, there is a difference of opinion among the Fuqahā. Imām Abū Hanīfah Rahimahullāh states that fluid produced in the Farj ad-Dākhil (vagina) is pure and the discharge of such fluid does not nullify Wudhū.

However, Imām Abū Yūsuf Rahimahullāh and Imām Muhammad Rahimahullāh are of the view that discharge produced in the vagina is impure and nullifies Wudhū. According to the principles of Iftā (giving Fatwā), the view of Imām Abū Hanīfah Rahimahullāh is the preferred view.[ii]

Regarding the third type of discharge, the Fuqahā agree that discharge produced in any region beyond the Farj ad-Dākhil (vagina) is impure and nullifies Wudhu. This includes discharge produced in the uterus.

According to medical research, the normal discharge experienced by women is produced in the vagina and at times it may be produced in the cervix.[iii]

The difficulty and real challenge is to determine the purity or otherwise of a women’s discharge from the cervix. This depends much on the position and classification of the cervix:

1  If the cervix is part of the vagina, then discharge produced in the cervix is pure and does not nullify Wudhū.

2  If the cervix is part of the Uterus, then discharge produced in the cervix is impure and it nullifies Wudhū.

3  If the cervix is neither part of the vagina nor part of the cervix, rather it is a region between the two, then discharge produced in the cervix is still impure and it nullifies Wudhū since it is in an area beyond the vagina.

According to medical research, the cervix is part of the uterus and not part of the vagina.[iv]

In support of this, we have come across the following reference:

وَالْحَاصِلُ أَنَّ رُطُوبَةَ الْفَرْجِ ثَلَاثُ أَقْسَامٍ طَاهِرَةٌ قَطْعًا وَهِيَ مَا تَكُونُ فِي الْمَحَلِّ الَّذِي يَظْهَرُ عِنْدَ جُلُوسِهَا وَهُوَ الَّذِي يَجِبُ غَسْلُهُ فِي الْغُسْلِ وَالِاسْتِنْجَاءِ، وَنَجِسَةٌ قَطْعًا وَهِيَ مَا وَرَاءَ ذَكَرِ الْمُجَامِعِ، وَطَاهِرَةٌ عَلَى الْأَصَحِّ وَهِيَ مَا يَصِلُهُ ذَكَرُ الْمُجَامِعِ شَيْخُنَا اهـ بُجَيْرِمِيٌّ (حاشية الشرواني على تحفة المحتاج في شرح المنهاج، باب النجاسة وإزالتها)

Translation:

In essence, there are three types of female discharges. The first type is pure. This is discharge that is produced in the region that is visible when a female is in the sitting position. This is also the same region that needs to be washed during Ghusl and Istinjā (vulva).

The second type of discharge is impure. This is discharge produced in a region that is beyond the area a man’s private part reaches during intercourse (cervix and uterus).

The third type of discharge is pure according to the preferred view. This is discharge produced in the area a man’s private part reaches during intercourse (vagina). (Hāshiyah ash-Shirwānī)

It is understood from the text of the second type of discharge that the cervix is beyond the vagina as the cervix is beyond the area of intercourse. Therefore, the fluid discharged from the cervix is considered impure and invalidates Wudhū.

Based on the aforementioned explanation, if a female is certain that the discharge she is experiencing is produced only in the vagina then such discharge is pure and does not nullify Wudhū. However this ruling is applicable on condition the discharge is clear or white (normal color). If it is mixed with blood or discharge due to arousal (Madhi)[v] the Wudhu will be invalidated.

However, if a female is unaware of the exact origin of her discharge (the vagina or the cervix), then she must renew her Wudhū and purify herself before Salāh. This is so because of the possibility the discharge may be from the cervix and thus impure.

Note: The previous Fatāwā issued by the Darul Iftaa on normal vaginal discharge were concise and did not address the position and discharge of the cervix. The present finding on the location of the cervix and the discharge from there being impure is based on precaution. If any woman regarded the cervical discharge to be pure based on the previous concise Fatwā, and performed Salāh, her Salāh will remain valid.

It should be borne in mind that the term precaution should not mean that there is flexibility on the issue and the discharge of the cervix could be pure. Often, the Fuqahā have issued official decrees based on Ihtiyāt (precaution). Therefore, as a matter of precaution, the official ruling of the discharge from the cervix is that it is impure.

http://askimam.org/public/question_detail/31553 

What is the fatwa regarding clear or white discharge and wudhu and salaah? Is it different to discolored discharge? Someone told me that if you discharge in your salaah, your wudhu and salaah is broken. Does this mean that I have to make qadha of my previous years of salaah as I was unaware of this ruling? 

Answer

In the Name of Allah, the Most Gracious, the Most Merciful.

As-salāmu ‘alaykum wa-rahmatullāhi wa-barakātuh.

The Fuqahā (Jurists) generally state the rulings for three types of fluids (discharges) experienced by women[1]. They are as follows:

•  Fluid from the Farj al-Khārij (Vulva-the external region of the vagina)

•   

•  Fluid from the Farj ad-Dākhil (Vagina)

•   

•  Fluid produced anywhere beyond the Farj ad-Dākhil (beyond the vagina)

•   

The first type of fluid is pure and does not invalidate Wudhū.

The second type of fluid, according to the preferred view is pure and does not nullify Wudhū[2].

Regarding the third type of discharge, the discharge produced in any region beyond the Farj ad-Dākhil (vagina) is impure and nullifies Wudhu. This includes discharge produced in the uterus and cervix.

The normal discharge experienced by women is produced in the vagina and at times it may be produced in the cervix (cervical mucus)[3].

Hence, if a female is certain that the discharge she is experiencing is produced only in the vagina then such discharge is pure and does not nullify the Wudhū. However this ruling is applicable on condition the discharge is clear or white (normal color). If it is mixed with blood or discharge due to arousal (Madhi)[4] the Wudhu will be invalidated.

However, if a female is unaware of the exact origin of her discharge (the vagina or the cervix) as may happen in many cases, then she must renew her Wudhū and purify herself before Salāh. This is so because of the possibility the discharge may be from the cervix and thus impure.

If a woman experiences a constant discharge and she does not know the source of the discharge, then she will qualify as a Ma’zoor (excused person).

A Ma’zoor shall make Wudu for every Fardh Salah. The Wudhu of a Ma’zoor remains valid for the duration of the Salah time. During this time she can read Nafl and Quran. All the factors which break Wudhu besides the factor responsible for making one Ma’zoor, will nullify the Wudhu of a Ma’zoor.

If the discharge you experienced in the past was clear or white, you do not have to do Qadha of your past Salaahs. Precaution should be exercised in the future.

We have arrived at this conclusion after researching the matter and consulting with several gynaecologists. 

Q: I have read the fatwa about discharge. What if the discharge is yellow, but not thick and does not have an odor at all? Is my salah accepted? Doesn’t then go under the ruling that it does not break the wudu?

I have read that some sanitary towels can be the reason why the normal discharge can turn yellow, because it contains something that changes the color of the discharge when it is moist in the vaginal area.

A: A discharge that appears yellowish but has not odor at all, will be considered the normal secretion from the front organ. This will not break wudhu. It is true that when the discharge dries up on the underwear or pads it turns yellow. So that will not reflect the true colour and has to be ignored.

So there is no need to make wudhu in this case. Your salaah will be accepted.

Allah Ta’ala knows best

IslamQA.org

http://www.zamzamacademy.com/2012/09/clarification-on-purificatory-bath-and-regular-discharge/

Number of question the Purificatory Bath and Regular Discharge.
confused muslimah

Question:

As salamualykum wa rahmatuhali wabarakatuhu!

1) Can you please give a step by step guide for the ghusl required after menstruation and janaba separately. Also, please do mention the duas (if any) according to the hanafi fiqh.

I have heard many different methods some requiring to read dua and others don’t, I m really confused now and if i did the ghusl wrong would i have the repeat the prayers (even if i used that methods for years?) Please help.

2) I have a very steady flow of white fluid everyday(except for menstruation days). Considering the fact that it breaks the wudu makes it really difficult for me to refresh wudu for every prayer.(i would have to refresh it every 2- 3 hrs) when i m traveling/working can i just pray without refreshing my wudu?

3) After the wudu is performed, i have this sensation of air passing by from the front area..it happens almost every time after wudu. would it be considered under the same ruling as passing gas? I have heard that shaitan pulls a string which causes these sensations/ little bubbles coming out from front and behind. so it should be ignored. can you please shed some light on this.

Jazakumullah Khairan

Answered by Ustadha Umm Yusuf Abdul Sattar
Verified by Mufti Abdur Rahman ibn Yusuf

In the Name of Allah, Most Gracious, Most Merciful

Thank you for sending your questions, particularly on such important acts of worship. The words of Allah, the Exalted, are “Lord, increase me in knowledge.” (20:114)

1)      The purificatory bath, (ghusl) is performed in the same way, regardless of whether it is necessitated by menstruation or sexual intercourse. There are three obligatory elements for ghusl: to rinse the entire mouth once, to rinse the nose up to the bone once, and to wash the entire body once. If these are completed, the ghusl is complete. However, it is sunnah to perform the ghusl in the following manner:

1. Intention and to begin by saying, “Bismillah.”
2. Wash the hands until the wrists.
3. Wash the front and back private parts.
4. Wash away any filth from the body.
5. Perform a complete ablution.
6. Pour water over the body three times, beginning with one’s head, right shoulder, left shoulder, followed by the rest of the body.

The same duas which are recommended to be recited upon completion of ablution should be recited after ghusl:

أَشْهَدُ أَن لَّا إِلٰهَ إِلَّا اللهُ وَحْدَهُ لَا شَرِيْكَ لَهُ وَأَشْهَدُ أَنَّ مُحَمَّدًا عَبْدُهُ وَ رَسُوْلُهُ  “I bear witness that there is no god except Allah, and I bear witness that Muhammad is His servant and messenger.” 

اَللّٰهُمَّ اجْعَلْنِيْ مِنَ التَّوَّابِيْنَ وَ اجْعَلْنِيْ مِنَ المُتَطَهِّرِيْنَ  “Oh Allah, make me of those who are repentant and of those who maintain purity.”

Please refer to Ascent to Felicity by Faraz A. Khan for more information.

2)      Based on the legal verdict of Imam Abu Hanifa, vaginal discharge is not impure and will not nullify one’s ablution (wudu). According to Imam Abu Yusuf and Imam Muhammad, vaginal discharge of any color is impure and will nullify the ablution.   

In the situation of continuous discharge, a woman should avail the opinion of Imam Abu Hanifa. She will not be obligated to renew her ablution. If it is reasonably possible, she should renew her ablution and wash any affected garments, as that is preferred. Also, please note that this is only when the discharge is clear or white. Any colored discharge, such as yellow, will nullify the ablution. You can also refer to “The Laws of Menstruation, Postnatal Bleeding & Dysfunctional Uterine Bleeding,” for more information.

3)      The sensation you are describing can be caused either by gas exiting from the front private part or due to moisture in that area.  In either case, one’s ablution would not be affected.

Ustadha Umm Yusuf Abdul Sattar

http://www.zamzamacademy.com/2010/09/cervical-mucus-vaginal-discharge-and-wudu/

Assalamu alaykum

In the name of Allah, Most Gracious Most Merciful

There is a difference of opinion among the scholars concerning Cervical mucus or vaginal discharge. Since it comes from the cervix which is the “farj dakhil” in Arabic, according to Imam Abu Hanifa, it is not impure and does not break the wudu. According to his two students, Imam Abu Yusuf and Imam Muhammad, it is impure and will break the wudu. Hence, there is a difference of opinion.

Some of the later scholars based the rulings on the first view and others based it on the second view.

What we can say for now is that if a women experiences excessive discharge, she could go by the first opinion of it being pure, and will not have to renew her wudu each time it happens. However, if it is experienced very infrequently, then it would be preferable to wash up and renew the wudu due to the other opinion which is more precautionary.

Also, in the case of the first women, if she is at home and has time to wash up, it would be preferable to do so, but in other situations she does not need to.

This is all concerning the discharge which is not discolored. As for the discharge which is discolored due to thrush or any other ailment, or the discharge due to excitement, then it will be considered impure and nullify the wudu.

Allah knows best.
Mufti Abdurrahman ibn Yusuf