Contemporary Fatwas

Nail polish: What is the ruling on not removing nail polish (manicure) on the nails during ablution and wiping over them, by analogy with wiping over leather socks? This analogy is incorrect. The ruling on leather socks is explicitly stated in Islamic law, whereas nail polish forms a barrier preventing water from reaching the hands; therefore, it must be removed for ablution and ritual bathing.

Wiping: What is the ruling for someone who performed ablution, washed their right foot, then put on leather socks or socks, then washed their left foot and put on socks or leather socks over it? This issue is subject to scholarly disagreement. The most likely correct opinion is what Ibn Taymiyyah stated: “If he washed one foot and put on a leather sock, then did the same with the other, there are two narrations from Ahmad: one is that wiping is permissible, and the second is that it is not permissible. The first opinion is undoubtedly the correct one.” Ibn Hazm said: “If someone performed ablution, put on one of his leather socks after washing that foot, then washed the other foot after putting the first leather sock on the washed foot, then put on the other leather sock, then became ritually impure, then wiping is permissible for him, just as if he had put them on initially after washing both feet. This is the view of Abu Hanifa, Dawud, and their followers.”

Wounds and ablution: How should we deal with wounds regarding ablution or wiping? If a wound is found on the organs of purification, there are three levels: First, it is exposed and washing does not harm it. In this case, he must wash it if it is in a place that requires washing. Second, it is exposed and washing harms it, but wiping does not. In this case, he must wipe over it instead of washing. Third, it is covered by a bandage or similar material that is necessary. In this case, he wipes over this covering, and it suffices in place of washing the body part.

Fainting: A man suffers from weakness in some of the brain’s arteries. Sometimes when he prostrates, he faints. What is the ruling on his ablution and prayer? Is he allowed to combine prayers? His fainting invalidates his ablution and prayer. Therefore, if prostration on the ground causes him to faint, he may indicate prostration with a gesture. As for combining prayers, the condition is hardship; wherever hardship exists, combining is permitted.

The seated imam: How should people pray behind a seated imam? He should appoint someone else who is capable of performing those pillars of prayer. It is not appropriate for him to lead the prayer while unable to do so, out of consideration for the opinion that prohibits the validity of an imam’s leadership if he is incapable while the followers are capable, even if he is the mosque’s imam. If the imam does pray with them while sitting, the more likely opinion—and Allah knows best—is that they should stand. This is based on the hadith of Aisha (may Allah be pleased with her): “The Messenger of Allah (peace and blessings be upon him) led them in prayer while sitting during the illness in which he passed away, and they prayed behind him while standing.”

Long nails: What is the ruling on leaving nails to grow long and prominent? It is not permissible, as this contradicts the Prophetic tradition and resembles wild animals. Can a husband force his wife to trim her nails? He may do so if the length is excessive and dirt accumulates in them.