Question :

What is the Islamic ruling on the continuous, semi-fluid vaginal discharge? Does it nullify Wudu`? If it does, should the vagina be washed and Wudu` renewed or Wudu` alone suffices? I would like to bring to your kind attention the fact that I have embraced Islam in secret and can`t go to the bathroom to make Wudu` to avoid making a scene before my family.

The Answer :

All perfect praise be to Allah The Lord of The Worlds and may His peace and blessings be upon our Prophet Mohammad and upon all his family and companions.

First, we ask Allah to keep us steadfast in faith and reward us for striving to adhere to the teachings of His religion. We have already explained the ruling of Sharia on vaginal dischargethat many women have and stated that, in principle, it is impure (Najis) in case it came from the depth of the uterus and it also nullifies Wudu`(Ritual ablution). However, if it came from the external part of the vagina or the woman couldn`t tell where it came from, then, in principle, it is pure and doesn`t nullify Wudu`. For further clarification, kindly refer to Fatwa No. (627). If the discharge came from the internal part of the vagina, then you have to wash off the impurity that stained your clothes, then make ablution and pray. But, if you are facing difficulty because you are trying to keep your new faith (Islam) a secret and feared for your life, you are allowed to follow the opinion of some Maliki jurists, which states that the incontinence-which is intermittently extensive-doesn`t nullify Wudu` at all.

We have already cited this opinion in Fatwa No (1872). In conclusion, if you have difficulty making Wudu` and washing the recurrent impurity, then it is permissible that you offer prayer based on the Wudu` that you have done earlier, and may Allah accept your and our acts of devotion. And Allah Knows Best.