Do Traces of Stool Nullify My Prayer?

Do traces of stool nullify my prayer?

Dear questioner,

Thank you for your important question.

May Allah, Most High reward you for your desire to increase in knowledge.

Your prayer is valid so long as the amount of impurity on your body was less than 5cm in diameter.

The cleanliness of the body is from the conditions of prayer. Muslims must not only be in a state of ritual ablution (wudu) but also be free from any physical impurity such as blood, urine droplets, feces, etc.

If the impurity is still within the body, then it is not considered.
Ex. If the stool is still within the anus, it is not considered in the nullification of prayer. Once stool exits the anus, then it is considered.

If the impurity has left the body such as blood, urine or stool, then it will be considered as a physical impurity that must be removed or cleansed before praying.

According to the Hanafi school of law, all physical impurity less than 5cm in diameter is looked over. Anything above 5cm will nullify the prayer. [Maydani, al-Lubab]

However, one of the signature traits of a Muslim is the adherence to inward and outward purity at all times.

The Prophet Muhammad (Allah bless him and give him peace) said:  “Purity is half of faith.”

[Muslim, al-Sahih]

And Allah alone knows best,

[Ustadh] Omar Popal

Checked and Approved by Shaykh Faraz Rabbani