- Ritual impurity (Hadath) refers to the state of intangible uncleanliness that prevents a Muslim from offering the prayer until he removes it. It is not physical like najaasah.
- This ritual impurity can be removed by performing the partial ablution (wudoo’) or a full ablution (ghusl /bath) using pure water. Pure water is water that has not been in contact with any physical impurities that might otherwise change its colour, taste or smell. If he performs wudoo’, then he can perform as many prayers as he wishes as long as he does not break it.
- Ritual impurity is of two types:
-
1
Minor ritual impurity: This can be removed by performing wudoo’ (partial ablution).
-
2
Major ritual impurity: This can be removed by performing (ghusl /ritual bath).
-
The Minor Ritual Impurity and Wudoo’
The partial ablution (wudoo’), becomes invalid with any of the following:
1
Natural discharges from the private parts (both the external genital and excretory organs), such as urine, excrement and wind.Detailing things which invalidate ablution, the Qur’an states, “…or have just satisfied a want of nature.” (Soorat An-Nisaa’, 4:43)
When the prophet ﷺ was informed about a man who had doubts as to whether he has passed wind or not (i.e. whether he had broken his wudoo’ or not) during the prayer, he advised, “He should not turn away or leave the prayer unless he hears a noise or smells something.” (Saheeh Al-Bukhaaree: 175; Saheeh Muslim: 361)
2
Lustfully touching the private parts with bare hands, for the prophet ﷺ said, “Whoever touches his private parts must perform wudoo’ again.” (Sunan Abu Daawood, 181)
3
Eating camel meat: The prophet ﷺ was once asked, “Should we perform wudoo’ after eating camel meat?” he replied, “Yes.” (Saheeh Muslim: 360)
4
Loss of consciousness because of sleep, insanity or drunkenness.
Loss of consciousness as a result of sleep, insanity or drunkenness is one of the things which render wudoo’ invalid.
