Question:
Assalaamu ‘Alaikum.
1. While fasting, I try to use as little water as possible to wash myself after
urination, but a few drops of water still goes inside the vagina and I do not
know how deep it does. If this breaks my fast, do all the fasts of the previous
years be repeated?
2. What is the correct method of istinja for females after urination if the
urine gets smeared on the body more than the size of a dirham? Please reply
Answer:
In the Name of Allah, the Most Gracious, the Most Merciful.
As-salāmu ‘alaykum wa-rahmatullāhi wa-barakātuh.
Method of Cleaning after
Urination
There is a difference in the method between men and women when it comes to
attaining cleanliness after urination. Males have to perform Istibrā’ which is
the process of ensuring that no urine is left in the private part after
urination. Women do not have to perform this however, they must be confident
that they have relieved themselves fully.
Once this has been done, it is recommended to use some tissue paper first (with
the left hand) to absorb any drops of urine which may be left and then wash the
private area with water.
When washing, the utensil must be held in the right hand and the left hand used
to clean the actual area.
Istinjā from Greater Impurity
A recommended procedure for doing Istinjā is as follows:
Wipe 3 times with tissue paper, from front to back, this will stop the
spreading of the uncleanliness to the front private part. If necessary use more
tissue paper.
Hold the utensil in the right hand and wash the left hand first if needed and
then use the inner part of the middle finger (of the left hand) to clean the
soiled area. If needed use the middle parts of the ring finger, little finger
and index finger (all of the left hand) in that order.
One should clean until confident that the impurity and smell has been removed. Wash
the hands with soap after Istinjā.
During fasting, one should cleanse after urinating as one would normally do.
Fast does not break by liquid entering the vagina.
And Allah Ta’āla Knows Best
Mufti Arshad Ali
Darul Iftaa, Jaamia Madinatul Uloom (Trinidad)
