Different Types of Discharges  

Assalamu alaykum

In the name of Allah, the Inspirer of truth.

There is a difference of opinion among the scholars concerning cervical mucus or vaginal discharge. Since it comes from the cervix which is the farj dakhil in Arabic, According to Imam Abu Hanifa, it is not impure and does not break the wudu’ [if it is not discolored]. According to his two students, Imam Abu Yusuf and Imam Muhammad, it is impure and will break the wudu’. Hence, there is a difference of opinion.

Some of the later scholars based the rulings on the first view and others based it on the second view.

If a women experiences excessive discharge, she could avail of the first opinion which does not consider the discharge to be impure, hence she need not renew her wudu’ each time it happens. However, if the discharge is not that frequent, it would be preferred to wash up and renew the wudu’ due to the other more precautionary opinion.

Likewise, if a women is able to conveniently wash up, then it would be preferable to do so, but in situations where it is difficult then she can avail herself of the more lenient opinion.

This is all concerning the discharge which is not discolored. As for the discharge which is discolored due to thrush or any other ailment, or the discharge is due to excitement, they it will be considered impure by all and nullify the wudu’. Hence, washing and renewing the wudu’ would be necessary.

As for ejaculatory fluid, ‘Allama Ibn ‘Abidin describes it as follows: “If it is watery yellow then it is the ejaculatory fluid of women” (Radd al-Muhtar 1:111). It has also been reported to be milky in color and ranging in its thickness and odor based on a woman’s diet, overall health and the phase she is experiencing within her menstrual cycle.

However, to conclude, any liquid released when feeling sexual pleasure (and more conclusively upon orgasm), regardless of its color or whether or not it runs down the leg, will be impure.

And Allah knows best.

Abdurrahman ibn Yusuf