Does Drying or Touching the Private Parts Necessitate Wudu?

Answered by Sidi Wasim Shiliwala

Question: Anything coming from the private organs invalidates wudu. What if one drys the inner part of his/her private parts after ghusl? Does this necessitate a wudu after ghusl?

Answer: Walaikum As-salaam wa Rahmatullahi wa Barakatuhu,

Drying the Private Parts

According to the Hanafi scholars, anything that exits from the private parts invalidates one’s wudhu, regardless of whether it is filth (najis) or not. This entails that something from within the body – whether it be waste, blood, or anything else – exits through the private parts. [al-Maydani, al-Lubab fi Sharh al-Kitab]

Therefore, in the process of drying one’s private parts, one would only break their wudhu if they are certain that something exited one of their private parts during the drying. If, for example, one is using a cloth or towel to dry their private parts, and the cloth itself enters into the private area, then one would have to do wudhu only if it is clear that the cloth accumulated moisture or residue in the process. If this isn’t clear, or if the cloth doesn’t enter the private part, then wudhu isn’t necessary – although it could be done out of precaution. [ibn Abidin, Rad al-Muhtar]

Touching the Private Parts

As for the related question of simply touching the private parts, which is bound to happen as one dries them, then it is recommended to wash one’s hands afterward. Although not necessary, doing wudhu again would be praiseworthy considering the difference of opinion with the Shafi’i school on this matter. [Tahtawi, Hashiya `ala Maraqi al-Falah]

In all cases, remember that ritual purity is only broken when one is sure that it is broken, and not if one is uncertain or in a state of doubt. Please see the following reader for advice on how to deal with misgivings and doubts: A Reader on Waswasa (Baseless Misgivings)

Jazakum Allahu Khairan,
-Wasim

Checked & Approved by Faraz Rabbani