Istibra: liquid which comes out of body after Istibra is treated as pure

May 23, 2017 by Admin Posted in All Q&A, Taharat Tagged istibrã’, Najas, Najis, Semen, Urine, Wudu

Question142: Sometimes while traveling a liquid comes out of my body, in which I am not able to recognize. What should I treat the liquid as?

Answer 142: If you performed Istibra after each urination, the liquid which comes out of your body afterward, is treated as pure.
Istibra is a recommended act for men after urinating. Its objective is to ensure that no urine is left in the urethra. There are certain ways of performing Istibra. The best way is after the passing of urine, if the anus also becomes najis, it is made clean first. Thereafter, the part between the anus and the root of penis should be pressed thrice, with the middle finger of the left hand. Then the thumb is placed on the penis, and the forefinger below it, pressing three times up to the point of circumcision, then the front part of the penis should be jerked three times

It is also considered as pure if you are doubtful whether or not it is urine, semen or other najas things.

Otherwise, if you didn’t perform Istibra or you are sure it is a kind of najas thing (such as semen or urine and etc.) it is regarded as impure.[1]

[1] . The official website of the office of Sayyid Sistani (ha).

Wiping performed on socks invalidates Wudu

May 5, 2017 by Admin Posted in All Q&A, Wudhu Tagged Ahlul Sunnah, Severe Cold, Shoes, Socks, Taqiyyah, Tayammum, Wipe, Wudu

Question 037: What is the ruling in Jafari fiqh about making wudu over socks or are we supposed to take the socks off every time we make wudu?

Answer 037: According to all maraja, wiping performed on socks or shoes is void. If one is unable to remove his socks or shoes because of severe cold, or fear of life, or a robber and the like, there would be no problem to wipe on socks or shoes, and then his wudhu is considered as valid. If there was so cold but one would have enough time to perform his wudhu later under normal condition (on time of prayer) it is impermissible to wipe on the socks and shoes.

According to most of Ahlul Sunnah, wiping on the socks and shoes is permissible, even you are under normal condition. As a result, what the reason which is behind the permissibly of wiping on the socks and shoes is on the time when you are under Taqiyyah, according to Shia scholars.

Note: Ayatollah Sistani (ha) says: according to an obligatory precaution, one can wipe on the socks or shoes, and then perform tayammum. If a person is under Taqiyyah (hiding one’s faith), it would be enough for him to wipe on his socks and shoes.[1]

[1] . Tawzih al-Masael (with annotation), Sayyid Roohullah al-Moosavi al-Khomeini, Vol. 1, Pg. 159, question 259, eighth edition, 1424 A.H. – For further information in this regards, please refer to: Moghniyah, Muhammad Javad, Al-Fiqh ‘ala al-Madhahib el Khamsah, Vol. 1, Pg. 37; Makarem Shirazi, Naser, Shia Pasokh Midahad (Shia Answers), Pg. 207.

Doubts (shakk) during prayer whether wudu was performed or not

May 5, 2017 by Admin Posted in All Q&A, Rules of Prayer, Wudhu Tagged Doubt, istibrã’, Namaz, Prayer, Shakk, Taharat, Wudu

Question 036: If one gets Doubts (shakk) during the salah that wudu was not taken, should one break the salah to perform wudu?
Answer 036: If a person doubts during prayer (namaz) whether he has performed wuhu or not, his prayers is void, and he must perform wudhu and then pray. If a person is sure that he has performed wudu but doubts whether he has committed an act which invalidates it or not his wudu would be considered as valid.

If a person doubts whether his Wudhu has become void, he should treat it as valid. But, if he did not perform Istibra after urinating, and performed Wudhu, and thereafter some fluid was discharged about which he was not sure whether it was urine or something else, his Wudhu will be void.

If a person doubts whether he has performed Wudhu or not, he should perform Wudhu.

If a person is sure that he has performed Wudhu, and has also committed an act which invalidates Wudhu (e.g. urinating), but does not remember which happened first, he should act as follows: If this situation arises before his Namaz, he should perform Wudhu. If it arises during Namaz, he should break it and perform Wudhu. If it arises after Namaz, that Namaz will be valid, but for the next prayers, however, he should perform Wudhu.[1]

[1]. Tawzih al-Masael of maraja (with annotation), Sayyid Roohullah al-Moosavi al-Khomeini, Vol. 1, Pg. 179, question 301, eighth edition, 1424 A.H. http://www.sistani.org/english/book/48/2157/; The Official Website of the Office of Sayyid Sistani, Rules regarding Wudhu.

Imam Hasan and Hussain teach an old man how to make Wudu

March 23, 2017 by Admin Posted in All Q&A, Ethics and Mysticism Tagged al ʿamr bi-l maʿrūf wa-n nahy ʿan al munkar, Hussain, Imam Hasan, Old man, Wudu

Question 024: Did Imam Hasan and Hussain teach an old man how to make wudu? Did they artificially dispute with each other in order to teach the old man how to make wudu?

Answer 024: It has been narrated in some resources that Imam Hasan and Imam Hussain (pbuth), as children, taught an old man, in a good manner, how to make wudu properly, as follows:

One day an old man came to Medina. At the time of prayers he began to make wudu, but he was making his wudu incorrectly. Imam Hasan and Imam Hussain (pbuth) immediately realized that the old man was not doing his wudu correctly. They wanted to correct him, but hesitated to tell him directly. Perhaps the old man would feel humiliated by two young boys correcting him, or he might even lose interest in the act of worship.

Imam Hasan and Imam Hussain (pbuth) came up with a plan. They went to the old man and said, “My brother and I disagree over who amongst us performs wudu the best. Would you mind watching us make wudu and be the judge to see which one of us indeed performs wudu correctly? Could you please correct us wherever we are wrong?” The man watched carefully trying to judge who is better.

The boys performed their wudu under his supervision, one after the other. When they had finished, he realized the wudu done by the boys was methodical and correct. It was his own wudu which was incorrect. Turning to Imam Hasan and Imam Hussain (pbuth), he gently said: “The wudu done by you is correct. I am grateful that you chose to guide me in such a beautiful manner.”

Imam Hasan and Imam Hussain (pbuth) neither criticized the old man, nor reproached him for his ignorance of the ruling of Islam. They did not refer to his way of performing wudu as wrong, nor did they call his action void. Rather, they performed wudu themselves and taught the old man its correct way indirectly. The result of this polite and wise criticism was that the old man confessed to his mistake explicitly, learned how to perform wudu correctly, and thanked them with kindness and pleasure.[1]

[1] . Ibn Shahrashub, Mazandarani, Manaqeb Al –e- Abi-Taleb (a.s), Vol. 3, Pg. 400, Qom, Allamah publication, first edition, 1379 AH; Majlesi, Muhammad Baqer, Biharul Anwar, Vol. 43, Pg. 319, Beirut, Dar –e- Ehya al-Torath al-Arabi, second edition, 1403 AH.

Offering Qada Prayer if you forget to clean the dress carelessly

March 19, 2017 by Admin Posted in All Q&A, Rules of Prayer, Taharat Tagged Carelessness, Compensate, Dress, Make Up, Najasat, Prayer, Qada, Taharat, Wudu

Question 033: I had wudu before suhoor yesterday and then I ate. After eating, my stomach was hurting so I went to the toilet and I saw light brownish marks from feces on my underwear. There wasn’t any actual feces on it, but just a faint mark. I wanted to clean it but I forgot and ended up doing wudu and praying Fajr. I only remembered when I was going to bed. I wasn’t sure whether I have to make up this prayer or not. In the morning, when I woke up, my menses started. What is the rule of Offering Qada Prayer?

Answer 033: If you were sure that the light brownish mark was from the feces and forgot to clean it, you have to make your Fajr prayer up (Qada). However, there wasn’t any actual feces on your underwear!

Otherwise, if you were not sure whether it was from feces and Najas or not your prayer is treated as valid.[1]

In Minhaj Ul Saliheen, Grand Ayatollah Sistani (ha) said, “According to an obligatory precaution, if it was due to carelessness, his prayer is treated as invalid whether he remembered after prayer or during prayer. Otherwise, if it wasn’t due to carelessness his prayer is valid.[2]

[1] . Tawzih al-Masaiel of Maraja’, Vol. 1, Pg. 85, Question 121;Ibid, Pg. 87, Question 123.

[2] . Minhaj al-Saliheen, Vol. 1, Pg.144, Question 422 & 426.

Number of things which invalidate Wudhu (ablution)

March 14, 2017 by Admin Posted in All Q&A, Taharat, Wudhu Tagged Ablution, Ghusl, istibrã’, Istihädah, Istihaza, Janabat, Taharat, Wudhu, Wudu

Question 556: Can you please let us know those things that invalidate Wudhu (ablution) and their Causes?

Brief answer 556: Things that invalidate wudu are: Passing of urine. Excretion. Passing wind from the rear. A sleep, deep enough to restrict sight and hearing. However, if the eyes do not see anything, but the ears can hear, Wudhu does not become void. Things on account of which a person loses his sensibility, like insanity, intoxication or unconsciousness. Istihaza which will be dealt with later. Janabat, and, as a recommended precaution, every state which requires Ghusl.[1]

Detailed answer 556: There are several Unclean Things which invalidate wudu (ablution) and cause the necessity for its repetition.

1 & 2: Effusion of urine or what falls under its category, such as the suspected wetness coming out before istibrã’ or excretion of feces from the natural or unnatural passage, regardless whether the natural passage is blocked or not, and whether its amount is large or small, and whether it is accompanied, for example, by worms or lumps.

3: Passing out of wind from anus, if it comes out of the stomach or bowels, whether it is accompanied with sound and bad odor or not. But the wind that comes out of the front organ (vulva) of a woman, and not from the stomach or bowels is like the wind that enters from outside and then comes out. (It will not nullify ablution).

4: A sleep which overwhelms the senses of sight and hearing (as a result of which the eyes do not see, and the ears do not hear).

5: Everything which stuns human reason such as insanity, swooning, drunkenness or the like.

6: The minor or medium Istihädah (undue menstruation), rather to be more cautious, the abundant one too, though we have declared ritual bath to be obligatory in such cases.

Note: If the water of enema comes out without being accompanied by something like it would not invalidate ablution.

Likewise, if there is suspicion of the water of enema being accompanied by something, Or when some worm or lump comes out without being sullied by feces, (the ablution shall not be void)[2]

[1] . Tawzih al-Masael of maraja’ (annotated by Imam Khomeini), Vol. 1, Pg. 188.

[2] . Tahrir al-Wasilah of Imam Khomeini, Vol. 1, Things that invalidate Ablution & Their Causes.

Making Wudu when you are going to bed

March 14, 2017 by Admin Posted in All Q&A, Ethics and Mysticism Tagged Bed, Blessing, Night, Purity, Tayammum, Wudu

Question 032: I have read two things: 1) It is recommended to be in wudu when you go to bed at night and 2) certain things invalidates wudu, including being unconscious/asleep. So, why is it recommended to go to bed in wudu when you just have to redo it when you wake up? Is there some sort of narration that says wudu protects you during sleep? If not, then what is the purpose in this practice.
Answer 032: Although, a sleep which overwhelms the senses of sight and hearing (as a result of which the eyes do not see, and the ears do not hear) invalidate wudu, but one of the reason which is behind performing wudu before going to sleep and has been recommended by the Infallibles (pbuth) is that the wudu help the soul of a believer to have a divine and positive inspirations during sleep. Unlike those who have been done bad actions during day they would dreamed the actions during night.

The following are some ahadith our Infallibles (pbuth) recommended us perform wudu:

The Prophet (saws) has said, ‘Perform ablution frequently and Allah will increase your life, and if you are able to be in a state of purity throughout the night and day, then do so, for if you die in the state of purity, you will die a martyr.[1]
The Prophet (saws) said, ‘The man sleeping in the state of purity is as the man praying and fasting.[2]

Imam Sadiq (as) said: whoever performs wudu before going to bed, the bed would be like the mosque for him. And if he remembers in the bed that didn’t perform wudu he can do tayammum on the coverlet, so if he sleeps with wudu or tayammum he likes offering prayers as long as he remembers Allah (SWT).[3]

Imam Ali (as) said: None of the Muslims are going to bed while they haven’t performed wudu and if there is no water they can do tayammum, because Angels take the soul of a believer (who sleeps) and climbs into the sky and Allah (SWT) accepts it and send blessing to it; if he is doomed to die He keeps the soul and if not the Angles return it to his body.[4]

[1] . Amali al-Mufid, p. 60, no. 5.

[2] . Kanz al-`Ummal, no. 25999.

[3] . Mahasen, Pg. 47, H. 64.

[4] . Khisal, Vol. 2, Pg. 402; Bihar al-Anwar, Vol. 10, Pg. 91.

Number of things which invalidate the prayer

February 15, 2017 by Admin Posted in All Q&A, Things which invalidate prayers Tagged Ameen, Doubting, Eating and drinking, Laughter, Minor and major pollution, Mubtilat, Prayer, Qiblah, Reducing, Speaking, Takattuf, Takfir, Taqiyyah, Turning the whole body, Weeping, Wudu

Question 547: Can you please tell us those things which invalidate the prayer?

Answer 547: There are a number of things which invalidate the prayer. They are called mubtilat, as follows:

1, The minor and major pollutions, (i.e., urine, feces, Janabat, etc.) They invalidate the prayer whenever they occur in the prayer, though at the time of reciting the letter “mim” which comes in the Salam (at the conclusion of the prayer), regardless whether it is done deliberately, erroneously or inadvertently, to the exclusion of one suffering from incontinence in urination, stool or a Mustahadah (a woman having undue menses), as has been mentioned earlier. Read More