Does My Flatulence Count As a Chronic Excuse?

Answered by Ustadh Nail Kadi

Question

I have flatulence due to lactose intolerance. I am able to pray the obligatory part of the prayer but often am focused on suppressing flatulence during the prayer. Does this qualify as a chronic excuse?

Answer

In the name of Allah, the Most Merciful, the Most Compassionate

I pray you are well.

I’m glad you have reviewed the guidelines in the following answer:

The Fiqh of Chronic Excuses and Ablution

Taking all reasonable means is highly advisable. In your case, if lactose intolerance is the reason for the flatulence, then the simplest solution would be to address it with dietary changes. Consider speaking to your primary care physician about various dairy alternatives that exist in your area or lactase supplements you might take. 

Solving the problem is easier than trying to suppress it later. 

By doing so, I pray that you are able to enjoy the comfort and joy of the prayer.

The Messenger of Allah (May Allah’s peace and blessing be upon him) said: ‘Women and perfume have been made dear to me, but the coolness of my eyes has been provided in prayer.” (Nisa’i)

And Allah knows best.

[Ustadh] Nail Kadi  

Checked and Approved by Shaykh Faraz Rabbani

Born in the Pacific Northwest to immigrant parents from Apartheid-era South Africa, Nail Kadi has lived in the Great Plains, California, New England, and the South. Nail has served various communities as an imam, hafidh (memorizer of the Qur’an), and qari (reciter of the Qur’an) with a focus on nurturing the spiritual lives of young people. During his middle school years, Nail attended a southern African seminary and memorized the Qur’an.

Nail spent 12 years at Harvard University, completing bachelors, masters and doctoral degrees in the History of Science, Theological Studies, and Dental Medicine. 

Nail has also studied the religious sciences with a host of scholars from South Africa, Jordan, Turkey, India and Syria. Currently pursuing advanced studies in Istanbul, he is also pursuing an Ijaza in Calligraphy under masters of the art.