When water would harm the eye or a dressing can’t be removed, Islamic practice allows wiping over the eyelid and using tayammum so you can still fulfill wudu.
Wudu with eye pain is a question many people face. Wudu is an obligatory act and should not be omitted without a valid religious excuse. At the same time, preserving health is very important.
If washing the eye is impossible or would cause water to reach it (or removing a dressing is not possible), wudu should be performed by using tayammum. This answer examines the specific issue of wudu when the eye is in a special condition and provides the appropriate solution.
Tearing or irrigating the eye: If pouring water over the eye increases pain or would injure the eye, washing water into the eye is not mandatory.
Wiping over the eyelid: In case of eye pain, instead of washing the eye, one may wipe over the eyelid.
Rinsing (istinjā') with water: If the eye is so injured that water cannot reach it, one may perform istinjā' with water (i.e., cleanse the area as applicable).
In summary, if you have eye pain you can:
See a doctor: If the eye pain is severe, be sure to consult a physician so the cause is identified and appropriate treatment given.
Consult a jurist: For more precise rulings tailored to your condition, consult a knowledgeable jurist.
Question: Due to eye surgery, applying water to the eye is harmful and removing the dressing is impossible — how should one perform wudu?
Answer: Wash the rest of the face from top to bottom, and with the intention of wudu, pass a wet hand over the eye dressing (bandage), and as a precaution perform tayammum as well.
Tip |
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If pouring water into the eye increases pain or risks injury, you are not required to force water into the eye. |
When the eye is painful, wiping over the eyelid (or dressing) with a wet hand counts instead of washing the eye. |
If a dressing prevents water reaching the eye, wash the rest of the face and wipe over the dressing with a wet hand while intending wudu. |
If the eye is severely painful or there was surgery, seek medical attention before attempting to wash the area. |
When in doubt about the exact ruling for your condition, consult a knowledgeable jurist (faqih). |
As a precaution in cases of doubt or where water may harm, perform tayammum (dry ablution). |
