Ritual purity rules change with context — usually one careful wash suffices for the urinary outlet, but the anal outlet must be washed until the impurity is gone.
Purifying the urinary and anal outlets is one of the important matters in the rulings of taharah (ritual purity). In Islam, before performing acts of worship and some other rites, purifying the body in general — and especially the urinary and anal outlets — is obligatory.
Answer: For purifying the urinary outlet with a small amount of water (aab-e qaleel), according to precaution it is considered clean after two washes; and if the anal outlet (excretory opening) is washed until the impurity is removed, it becomes pure and further rinsing is unnecessary — a single washing is sufficient. Most jurists hold that one wash is sufficient to purify the urinary outlet with a small amount of water. Even if you prefer to be cautious and wash two or three times, that is better.
Situation | Ruling |
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1. If other impurities (e.g., blood) are expelled with the stool, or an impurity from outside has reached the anal outlet, or the area around the outlet is more contaminated than usual | The anal outlet must be purified with water alone (i.e., washed thoroughly with water). |
2. If none of the three conditions above apply | You may either wash the outlet with water or clean it with dry tissue. |
3. If you are unsure whether the outlet is completely clean | It is preferable to wash three times with water. |
Small amount of water (Aab-e Qaleel): Water whose quantity is about one handful (or less) is called "small water."
Absolute water (Aab-e Motlaq): Water whose quantity is large enough that there is no doubt about its purity is called "absolute water."
Purification with absolute water: If you have access to absolute water, it is better to wash the outlet with absolute water because achieving full purity is less doubtful with abundant water.
Note: This response is for information only and does not replace consulting your religious authorities. For more precise guidance, refer to your marja‘
Practical Tips
Tip |
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For the urinary outlet, most jurists say one thorough wash with a small amount of water is sufficient; washing twice is acceptable as a precaution. |
For the anal outlet, wash with water until the impurity is fully removed — then additional rinsing is not required. |
If other impurities (e.g., blood) are present or the area is heavily soiled, use water for cleansing rather than only dry wiping. |
If unsure whether the area is fully clean, prefer washing three times. |
If abundant (absolute) water is available, use it — it reduces doubt about achieving purity. |
