Fatwa on the Different Types of Discharge

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 discolored, and therefore, does not break the wudū’.
According to his two students, Imam Abu Yusuf and Imam Muhammad, it is impure, regardless of its color, and will break the wudū’. 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 wudū’ 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 discolored. As for that discharge which is discolored due to Candida or any other ailment, or that discharge which is from excitement; these are considered impure by all and nullify the wudū’. Hence, washing and renewing the wudū’ are necessary.
As for ejaculatory fluid, ʿAllāma Ibn ʿĀbidīn describes it as follows: “If it is watery yellow then it is the ejaculatory fluid of women” (Radd al-Mutār 1:111). It has also been reported to be milky in color and ranging in its thickness and odor 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 color or whether it runs down the leg or not, will be impure.
And Allah knows best.
By Shaykh Abdur-Rahman ibn Yusuf

Author: Umm Zubair

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