Q: I very recently had my wisdom teeth removed, and will have another one removed in the next few weeks. After my tooth was surgically removed, it bled continuously for hours (after such procedures, there is continuous bleeding expect for 24-48 hours). Now, I know it is not permissible to swallow blood, however I cannot continuously rinse my mouth, in fact rinsing and spitting to harshly after such surgery can lead to dry sockets which are very painful. I also find it very difficult not to swallow for such a long time (it seems practically impossible for me). What should I do about the blood in this situation? (Note that this is not a small amount of blood). Also, so far I have been praying by having a good supply of tissue in my hand or on the ground next to me and spitting the blood out onto those as I pray. Is this acceptable? Lastly, how do I eat in this situation (when whatever I eat will no doubt mix with the blood in my mouth)? Thank you so much for your help. May Allah bless you.
A: When you perceive the blood then spit it out.
Yes, if the blood is not stopping then the prayer is valid provided you qualify as a ma`zoor i.e. the duration of an entire salaah time passed and the bleeding was so frequent from the beginning till the end of the time that you were unable to make wudhu and perform salaah without the bleeding occurring.
In this respect you are excused.
And Allah Ta’ala (الله تعالى) knows best.
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Answered by:
Mufti Ebrahim Salejee (Isipingo Beach)
Q: I’m not clear as to the answer to my question on how I should eat or drink or take painkillers in my condition. I have had near constant bleeding in my mouth for the last four and half days and it has still not ended. I have been constantly gently spitting out the blood this entire time. I’m guessing that the my next wisdom teeth removal will lead to the same prolonged bleeding as well. So how should I eat/drink? Are there any rules? Do I need to rinse my mouth right before I eat? Eat quickly and only as much as I need to function? Or can I eat as I normally do and ignore the blood?
Lastly, when the blood gets to my throat (which it does sometimes), I do not spit it out (instead I swallow it) because spitting from the throat is done harshly and harsh, or even regular spitting can cause dry sockets (dislodging of the blood clot in my gums) which is a very painful condition and takes a longer time to heal. Is this permissible?
I would be grateful if you could get back to me quickly as I have been barely eating for the last four days out of fear of swallowing blood.
A: Eat as you normally do.
It is alright.
And Allah Ta’ala (الله تعالى) knows best.
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Answered by:
Mufti Ebrahim Salejee (Isipingo Beach)
Q: I have a few more things I’m concerned about.
Firstly, it has been over a week since my wisdom tooth surgery and my saliva is constantly tinted yellow. I don’t think that this color is a result of bleeding, and I have read on the internet that it is mostly likely due to bacteria, pus or cells that are a part of the healing process. In this case, can I swallow the saliva?
Also, the doctor who performed my surgery put in dissolvable stitches after the procedure, which dissolve and fall apart in your mouth naturally over the course of about a week. A few days later I found that they are made out of things like animal collagen and hair. I had a checkup appointment soon after that but the doctor did not want to remove the remaining stitches because it might mess up the healing process and probably cause more bleeding. I don’t think I can remove them on my own. Is it haram for it to remain in my mouth? Are my prayers invalid because of it? Is it haram for me to let the doctor put in these type of stitches again during my next teeth removal?
A:
1. Until you are not sure that it is blood or pus it is alright.
2. The namaaz will be valid. In future be more cautious when seeing a doctor or dentist.
And Allah Ta’ala (الله تعالى) knows best.
(Scroll down for more information regarding this question)
Answered by:
Mufti Ebrahim Salejee (Isipingo Beach)
Q: “Until you are not sure that it is blood or pus it is alright”
I’m confused about this answer – does this mean that if I am not sure about whether it is blood/pus or something else, I cannot swallow?
A: Yes.
And Allah Ta’ala (الله تعالى) knows best.
Answered by:
Mufti Ebrahim Salejee (Isipingo Beach)