Fatwa On The Different Types Of Discharge

[ummtaalib]

In the name of Allah, the Inspirer of truth.

 

There is a difference of opinion among the scholars concerning cervical mucus or vaginal discharge. According to Imam Abu Hanifa, because its origin is the cervix, which is the Farj Dakhil in Arabic, it is not considered impure, as long as it is not discoloured, and therefore, does not break the Wudhu. According to his two students, Imam Abu Yusuf and Imam Muhammad, it is impure, regardless of its colour, and will break the Wudhu. 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.

 

If a women experiences excessive discharge, she should avail the first opinion which does not consider the discharge to be impure. Hence, she will not need to renew her Wudhu each time the discharge occurs. However, if the discharge does not occur frequently, it is preferable to renew the ablution and follow the path of precaution.

 

Similarly, it is preferred that a woman wash those garments that have been affected by the discharge. However, if she is unable to do so, she can avail the more lenient option.

 

This is all concerning the discharge which is not discoloured. As for that discharge which is discoloured due to Candida or any other ailment, or that discharge which is from excitement; these are considered impure by all and nullify the Wudhu. Hence, washing and renewing the Wudhu are necessary.

 

As for ejaculatory fluid, Allama Ibn Abidin (RA) describes it as follows: “If it is watery yellow then it is the ejaculatory fluid of women” (Radd al-Muhtar). It has also been reported to be milky in colour and ranging in its thickness and odour based on a woman’s diet, overall health and the phase she is experiencing within her menstrual cycle.

 

However, to conclude, any liquid released when feeling sexual pleasure, and more conclusively upon orgasm, regardless of its colour or whether it runs down the leg or not, will be impure.

 

And Allah knows best.

 

Abdur-Rahman ibn Yusuf