What Is the Ruling on Ritual Purity for Long-Distance Married Couples?

Answered by Ustadha Shazia Ahmad

Question

I and my husband are living distantly right now. My question is while being distant does the same rule apply to us in case of discharge and ghusl? Kindly elaborate.

Answer

Thank you for your question. In the Shafi’i school, the only type of discharge that requires a ritual bath (ghusl) is orgasmic fluid, although orgasmic fluid itself is considered pure. An orgasm is possible without intercourse. Arousal fluid (madhy) does not require a ritual bath but it invalidates wudu and one’s clothes need to be purified from it. Please note that masturbation is unlawful under all circumstances.

Please see the following links for more information:
How to Differentiate Between Maniy and Madhy for a Woman?
Does a Female Orgasm Experienced Without Intercourse Necessitate a Ritual Bath?
Rules Regarding Ghusl and Wet Dreams for Men and Women

[Ustadha] Shazia Ahmad
Checked and Approved by Shaykh Faraz Rabbani

Ustadha Shazia Ahmad lived in Damascus, Syria for two years where she studied aqida, fiqh, tajweed, tafsir, and Arabic. She then attended the University of Texas at Austin, where she completed her Masters in Arabic. Afterward, she moved to Amman, Jordan where she studied fiqh, Arabic, and other sciences. She later moved back to Mississauga, Canada, where she lives with her family.