Najis Ma’fu ‘Anhu: Guide to Excusable Impurities in Prayer (According to Al-Iqna’)

Have you ever felt anxious before praying because you saw a small bloodstain from a mosquito bite on your sleeve? Or perhaps a pimple on your face suddenly burst while you were performing wudhu, and you were confused whether you should rewash your entire face or just leave it?

In Shafi’i jurisprudence, we recognize the term najis ma’fu ‘anhu. This is a category of impurity that is excused by Islamic law. This means that the presence of this impurity does not invalidate your prayer. This concept is a form of Allah SWT’s mercy to ease the burden of worship for His servants.

However, not all impurities are automatically forgiven. There are limitations, conditions, and details that we need to understand in order for our worship to remain valid. Let’s dissect the explanation based on references from the classical book Al-Iqna’ fi Halli Alfazhi Abi Syuja’ by Al-Khatib Asy-Syirbini.

Basic Concept of Excused Impurity

Before delving into the details, we need to understand the rules. Generally, anything that exits from the two passages (the genital and anal passages) is impure. This also applies to blood and pus.

However, scholars categorize impurity into two categories of perception:

1. Visible impurity (that which is seen with the eye): The original ruling is that it is not forgiven, unless there is evidence to the contrary.
2. Invisible Impurity: An impurity so small that it cannot be seen with normal vision. This type of impurity is absolutely forgiven.

Original References from the Book of Al-Iqna’

For a strong foundation, let us examine the original text from the book Al-Iqna’ (Volume 1, pages 90-91) as follows:

القَوْل فِي النَّجَاسَات المعفو عَنْهَا (وَلَا يُعْفَى عَن شَيْء من النَّجَاسَات) كلهَا مِمَّا يُدْرِكهُ الْبَصَر (إِلَّا الْيَسِير) فِي الْعرف (من الدَّم والقيح) الأجنبيين سَوَاء أَكَانَ من نَفسه كَأَن انْفَصل مِنْهُ ثمَّ عَاد إِلَيْهِ أَو من غَيره غير دم الْكَلْب وَالْخِنْزِير وَفرع أَحدهمَا لِأَن جنس الدَّم يتَطَرَّق إِلَيْهِ الْعَفو فَيَقَع الْقَلِيل مِنْهُ فِي مَحل الْمُسَامحَة

The explanation from the above text affirms that there is no tolerance for visible impurities, except for a small amount of blood and pus according to common practice (‘urf).

Details of Blood Ruling: Which are Forgiven?

Based on Al-Khatib Asy-Syirbini’s explanation, the ruling on blood is divided into several conditions. This is important to note so that we do not misunderstand.

1. Blood from One’s Own Body (Not Yet Separated)

This is the most common case. Examples include blood from:

• Boils or acne.
• Ulcerative wounds.
• Used cupping jars or fasd (bloodletting).

The ruling: Forgiven (ma’fu), whether a little or a lot.

Why is it forgiven even if it is a lot? Because this is something that is difficult to avoid. As long as the blood comes out naturally and we do not “induce” it or smear it on other parts of the body, prayer remains valid. It is even mentioned in the books that even if the blood spreads due to sweat, it is still forgiven.

2. “Ajnabi” (Foreign or Separate) Blood

Foreign blood refers to the blood of another person that stains our clothes, or our own blood that has already dripped (separated) and then stains our clothes again.

Ruling: Forgiven only if it is a small amount.

If the amount is considered large by common standards, then it is obligatory to wash it. The determination of ‘little’ or ‘much’ depends on local custom (‘urf).

3. Mosquito, Flea, and Insect Blood

We often slap mosquitoes while praying and there are bloodstains on our hands. What is the ruling on this?

The book Al-Iqna’ mentions:

ويعفى عَن دم البراغيث وَالْقمل والبق وونيم الذُّبَاب … لِأَن ذَلِك مِمَّا تعم بِهِ الْبلوى ويشق الِاحْتِرَاز عَنهُ

This means that the blood of dog fleas (baraghits), head lice, bedbugs (bg), fly excrement, and similar things are excused. The reason is Umum al-Balwa, which is a condition that is very common and very difficult to avoid. Forcing people to wash their clothes every time they get a small blood stain from a mosquito would be very troublesome.

4. Invisible Impurities

What about very slight urine splashes that are invisible to the eye? Or microscopic splashes of dog impurity?

The good news is, this book explains:

وَأما مَا لَا يُدْرِكهُ الْبَصَر فيعفى عَنهُ وَلَو من النَّجَاسَة الْمُغَلَّظَة لمَشَقَّة الِاحْتِرَاز عَن ذَلِك

Something that cannot be perceived by the normal human eye is forgiven, even if it originates from najis mughallazah (dogs and pigs). Islam does not burden us with the need to see things with a microscope.

Exceptions: When is Bleeding Not Excused?

Although the Sharia provides concessions, there are limitations. Blood that was previously excusable can become impure and require washing if the following occurs:

Contaminated with Foreign Substances

The main condition for blood being excused (such as gum blood or pus blood) is that it is pure and not mixed with other substances.

Example case:

• Gum Bleeding: If the gums bleed, and the blood mixes with saliva and is swallowed or flows out of the lips, then its impurity is not excusable.
• Eye Blood: If blood appears in the eye and mixes with tears and flows, it is not excused.

However, there is leniency if the mixture is “Purifying Water” (water for ablution or bathing) or sweat. If blood on the face is accidentally touched by ablution water, it is still forgiven.

Intentionally Coating Oneself (Tadammukh)

If someone intentionally squeezes a pimple and smears its blood onto clothing without a medical reason, or intentionally takes mosquito blood and smears it on, then there is no tolerance. It is considered impure and must be washed because of the element of intentional playing with impurity.

What About Clothes Stained with Sweat?

There is an interesting discussion in Al-Iqna’ regarding a person wearing clothes stained with the blood of fleas/mosquitoes while their body is wet.

1. If wet due to sweat or water from ablution/bathing: The majority of scholars say it is permissible and excusable. This is because sweat and ablution are necessities.
2. If wet due to playing with water (without a legitimate Islamic purpose): Some scholars, such as Sheikh Abu Ali As-Sinji, are of the opinion that it is not permissible, because it contaminates the body without an urgent need.

Application in Daily Life

Understanding fiqh regarding things that are considered ritually impure but excused (najis ma’fu anhu) brings us peace of mind in worship. We do not need to be paranoid or excessively anxious.

• If you have back acne that bursts and stains your clothes during prayer: Continue the prayer, it is excusable.
• If you see mosquito bloodstains on a prayer garment or sarong: It is excusable.
• If you are licked by a wet dog and it is clearly visible: It is obligatory to purify it.

Islam is easy and makes things easy. These rules regarding impurities are not here to complicate matters, but rather to maintain cleanliness and peace of mind in worship. As long as we do not take things lightly (disregard) and do not go to extremes (become overly anxious), God willing, our worship will be valid.

Hopefully, the explanation from the book Al-Iqna’ will answer your doubts regarding minor impurities that we often encounter in our daily lives. If you have a specific case that confuses you, do not hesitate to ask a local religious teacher or scholar for a more personal fatwa.