Question (Q-16):
Does the clear (bloodless) substance that is discharged from the vagina of a woman invalidate Wudhū or not? If this substance touches a cloth then does it become impure?
Answer:
The clear, bloodless substance that exits from the vagina of a woman does not invalidate the Wudhū and therefore if it touches a cloth, the cloth does not become impure. (Bahār-e-Sharī’at, Volume 2, Page 12)
If the question is referring to the external part of the vagina then it should be known that it is pure with the consensus of the scholars;
أما رطوبة الفرج الخارج فطاهرة اتفاقاً و في منهاج الإمام النووي رطوبة الفرج ليست بنجسة في الأصح
“As for the wetness of the outer part of the vagina, it is pure by consensus. And it is stated in Minhāj of Al Imām An Nawawī that it is not impure in the most authentic position.” (Radd-ul-Muhtār, Volume 1, Page 229).
However, if this refers to the substance that is discharged from the internal area of the vagina then according to the two students of Al Imām Abū Hanīfah (Al Imām Abū Yūsuf and Al Imām Muhammad) it is impure and will invalidate the Wudhū. According to Al Imām Abū Hanīfah (رحمهم الله), it is pure similar to other bodily fluids like perspiration and water from the nose. Therefore, according to Al Imām Abū Hanīfah, this substance does not invalidate Wudhū nor does it cause any area of the body or clothes to become impure.
أما عنده فهي طاهرة کسائر رطوبات البدن، جوهرة
“According to Al Imām Abū Hanīfah it is pure like all bodily fluids.” (Durr ul Mukhtār, Volume 1, Page 229)
The same rule also applies to the wet substance that is discharged from the womb of a woman (known as vaginal discharge). This substance is a white watery substance that is similar to sweat and pre ejaculatory fluid (Madhy) – it possesses characteristics of both of these substances. It is discharged from the internal area of the vagina.
هي ماء أبيض متردد بين المذي والعرق يخرج من باطن الفرج الذي لا يجب غسله بخلاف ما يخرج مما يجب غسله فإنه طاهر قطعا و من وراء باطن الفرج فإنه نجس قطعا
“It is white water that is simultaneously similar to pre ejaculatory fluid and sweat. It exits from that part of the internal area of the vagina which is not necessary to wash (when purifying oneself). This is in contrast to the substance that leaves from the area of the vagina which has to be washed for indeed that is categorically pure. Similarly this is in contrast to the substance leaving the area behind the internal part of the vagina which is definitely impure.” (Radd-ul-Muhtār vol 1 page 229).
Nevertheless, it is safer to perform Wudhū. If this substance exits the body constantly then out of caution, she should treat herself like an excused person (Ma’dhūr). Therefore, in such a case it will be better (Awlā) for her to perform Wudhū at the beginning of every Salāh time.
Allah تعالى knows best.
Written by Muftī Shamsulhudā Khān Misbāhī (Allah preserve him)
