Does Wudu Break If You See Private Parts?
Purifying the body is essential before worship in Islam. Some situations we know that can break Wudu are urination, defecation, flatulence, deep sleep, etc. But many of us don’t know, does seeing our spouse’s private parts break wudu since ablution is the main condition for us to maintain purity.
The act of seeing one’s spouse’s private parts is not considered to break wudu according to the majority of Islamic scholars. But if any sexual interaction occurs, then one should renew their wudu.
During sexual interaction, there may be discharge of impurities such as urine, semen, or sexual fluids, requiring wudu renewal.
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The author of Al-Mabsoot (of the Hanafi School) stated: ‘Even if one looks to the private parts of his wife, this does not invalidate ablution as Ibn ‘Abbaas, may Allah be pleased with him, said: “Ablution is required if a white, thin, sticky discharge caused by sexual stimulation comes out of the private parts.”
In this objective and scholarly piece, we will discuss how our private parts can lead to wudu breaking.
When Does a Muslim’s Wudu Break Because of Private Parts?
According to Islamic scholars and based on the Holy Quran and Sunnah, wudu must be renewed whenever a discharge emanates from the private parts. The following situations require a Muslim to renew his or her wudu:
No 01: Sexual Intercourse
To maintain ritual purity, a Muslim must perform a new ablution (wudu) after engaging in sexual intercourse, as the release of bodily fluids (semen and vaginal discharge) breaks their wudu. This practice is rooted in the Islamic concept of cleanliness and purity, which is fundamental to the practice of faith.
It was narrated from Abu Hurayrah (may Allaah be pleased with him) that the Prophet (peace and blessings of Allaah be upon him) said: “When a man sits between the four parts (arms and legs of his wife) and has intercourse with her, then ghusl is obligatory.” Narrated by al-Bukhaari, 291; Muslim, 525.
As part of sexual intercourse, semen and vaginal secretions are exchanged, which are considered impure in Islam. A Muslim needs to make wudu according to Sunnah, then do a ghusl (bath) to cleanse themselves from the sexual act and be spiritually prepared for prayer.
No 02: Sexual Emission/Wet Dreams
A Muslim must also consider the situation when their private parts break wudu due to sexual emission or wet dreams.
In Islam, sexual emission refers to the involuntary release of sexual fluids that occurs during sleep without intentional actions. This occurrence necessitates the nullification of wudu, the ritual ablution performed before engaging in religious duties or prayers.
Therefore, after experiencing sexual emission or wet dreams, one must perform ablution and change his/her clothes before resuming any religious obligations. Purification ensures individuals are spiritually prepared for worship and maintain a strong connection to Allah.
No 03: Menstruation (Menses) for Women
Women who stay in wudu and begin menstruating will have their wudu break. During the menstrual cycle, when women experience the discharge of menstrual blood, their private parts break wudu.
Islamic Shariah states that women are considered temporarily impure during their menstrual period. As a result, they must abstain from certain religious activities until the completion of their menstrual cycle. This includes refraining from offering prayers, fasting, and engaging in intimate relations with their spouse.
Women regain their ritual purity and resume their religious obligations.
No 04: Touching One’s Private Parts with Desire
Some scholars state that wudu is only invalidated when a person touches their private parts with desire. This nuanced perspective, advocated by scholars like Ibn ‘Uthaymeen, recommends performing wudu if one touches their private parts in all cases, whether or not desire is involved.
When a Muslim touches his or her private parts without a barrier, it’s considered to invalidate their wudu. This ruling is based on the consensus among scholars, including Maalik, al-Shaafa‘i, and Ahmad, who all agree that such an action breaks wudu. As narrated by Abu Dawood, the Prophet’s directive explicitly supports this stance.
It is imperative for a Muslim to be aware of these rulings and to maintain the validity of their wudu according to them.
Know Conditions That Invalidate Wudu Among Muslims
Muslim individuals need to understand the specific conditions that invalidate Wudu to maintain purity during prayer. Maintaining the ritual purity of Wudu is essential in Islam, and various situations can necessitate its renewal.
While simply looking at one’s spouse’s intimate parts does not violate Wudu, Islamic scholars suggest it may be obligatory when desire is present.
Also, wet dreams, menstruation for women, and touching one’s private parts without a barrier are instances that require the renewal of Wudu.
Holy Quran and most Islamic scholars recommend that Muslims keep spiritually prepared and connected while managing the intimate aspects of marriage.