Question: Does clear or slightly yellow vaginal discharge, outside of the days of menstruation, break the wudu? Is this discharge impure? What is the necessary amount of the head that must be wiped in wudu? How much must I wash in Istinjaa?
Answer: In the Name of Allah, the Most Merciful and Compassionate
The wetness of the vagina is considered pure. Thus any clear discharge from it during the days of purity between menstruations does not break the wudu [Haskafi, al-Durr al-Mukhtar].
Therefore you do not need to change any garments due to contact with this discharge.
The Minimum Wiping in Wudu
When performing wudu it is obligatory to wipe at least one-fourth of the head. The portion of the head which counts in the wiping is the portion of the head which is above the ears [Shurunbulali, Maraqi al-Falah].
Note that if one has their hair tied up on the head, wiping over that hair would not count, since its original place – if it were not tied up, would be below the ears.
Istinjaa
When performing istinjaa, one only needs to wash the place of the filth. Thus if you only urinate, washing the anus is not necessary, and vice versa.
Note that istinjaa itself is sunna and not obligatory [Shurunbulali, Maraqi al-Falah].
How to Deal with Impurities
Allah Most High has not burdened anyone beyond their capacity. He, Most High says, “And Allah has not put, upon you, in the religion, any undue hardship” [Qur’an; 22:78].
These types of misgivings are all too common in regard to matters of purification. Shaytan plays on people’s sincerity in their religion and incites them toward false caution.
What is True Caution?
True caution is to follow the Sunnah of the Prophet (may Allah bless him and give him peace).
Misgivings (Waswasa)
For the one who is constantly in doubt abandoning caution is often the best cure.
“As for the one who is often inflicted with waswasa, it is necessary for them to sever the cause of the waswasa and not to give it any consideration. This is because it is the doing of Shaytan and we have been commanded to oppose him” [Hashiyah Ibn Abidin].
Knowledge
The long-term cure for these constant doubts is to seek a deeper understanding of Islamic Knowledge. With knowledge, Shaytan can not deceive you with his whispers and plots. I would advise that you find authentic scholars in your area and study with them a basic text in Islamic Jurisprudence.
Please note that SeekersGuidance.org has classes available in Islamic Jurisprudence and many other subjects.
May Allah ease all of your affairs and protect you and us from the plots of Shaytan.
Allahu A’alam
[Shaykh] Yusuf Weltch
Checked and Approved by Shaykh Faraz Rabbani