Does the Discharge of Madhy Require Ghusl?

Answered by Shaykh Abdul-Rahim Reasat

Question

I recently had a rectal exam, and some madhy came out. Do I need to perform a ghusl? Doing fard ghusl is very difficult for me as I have OCD and spend very long flossing, brushing, gargling, and washing my nose, as I try to make sure the water reaches all parts of my mouth, and am not sure if my nose is clear of mucus, and my nose is often blocked.

Is it okay to follow the Shafi’i ruling, which does not require washing the mouth and nose as obligatory (fard) of ghusl because I am mentally ill?

Answer

I pray you are well.

The discharge of madhy does not require ghusl. It just invalidates one’s wudu.

Simplify Your Ghusl

The Messenger of Allah (Allah bless him and give him peace) said, “No one makes the din difficult except that it overwhelms him.” [Bukhari]. Take this advice to heart.

Simplify your ghusl. Rinsing the mouth is very easy. Take in some water. Move it in your mouth for a few seconds and spit it out. It is as simple as that.

You do not need to go to any lengths by flossing or doing anything else. Try not to make things harder on yourself.

The same applies to cleaning the nose. Sniff up the water, and clean what you can easily clean. That’s it. [Ibn ‘Abidin, Radd al-Muhtar]

Seek Treatment

Although your OCD may be severe, it probably would not qualify you as mentally ill. You do need to, however, seek treatment. Getting the matter resolved will make your worship of Allah easier.

Please check this OCD reader as well:
A Reader on OCD and Waswasa (Baseless Misgivings)

Please listen to this seminar for more details on how to progress on this matter.
Being Balanced – Emotional and Mental Health – Shaykh Abdul-Rahim Reasat

May Allah make the matter easy for you.

[Shaykh] Abdul-Rahim Reasat
Checked and Approved by Shaykh Faraz Rabbani

Shaykh Abdul-Rahim Reasat began his studies in Arabic Grammar and Morphology in 2005. After graduating with a degree in English and History he moved to Damascus in 2007 where, for 18 months, he studied with many erudite scholars. In late 2008 he moved to Amman, Jordan, where he continued his studies for the next six years in Sacred Law (fiqh), legal theory (Usul al-fiqh), theology, hadith methodology, hadith commentary, and Logic. He was also given licenses of mastery in the science of Quranic recital and he was able to study an extensive curriculum of Quranic sciences, tafsir, Arabic grammar, and Arabic eloquence.