The prevailing scholarly opinion in Islam considers semen (sperm) to be pure. Contact with clothing doesn't necessitate ritual cleansing (wudu) or ablution (ghusl) for prayer. However, other pre-ejaculatory fluids (mazi) are considered impure and require washing of affected clothing.
Understanding the Different Fluids
It's crucial to distinguish between different bodily fluids:
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Semen (Mani): Generally considered pure according to the majority of Islamic scholars. If it touches clothing, it does not render the clothing impure, and there's no specific cleansing needed beyond general washing if desired. This is supported by the statement: "The semen is pure according to the preponderant opinion of the Muslim scholars. Yes, in this case you can pray in the clothes after having ..."
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Pre-seminal fluid (Mazi): This fluid, released before ejaculation, is considered impure (najis) in Islamic jurisprudence. If mazi touches clothing, the affected area must be washed before prayer. Several sources highlight this distinction, emphasizing the ease with which Sharia addresses this: "As for madhiy, it is naajis but sharee'ah makes it easy…" and "...The liquid which emits at the time of erection before ejaculation is Mazi, which is impure. It breaks the Wudhu. Mazi also makes the clothing impure."
Practical Implications
- Semen on clothes: Washing the clothes is recommended for hygiene, but not religiously mandated for prayer.
- Mazi on clothes: Washing the affected area of the clothing is necessary before prayer. The extent of washing depends on the amount of mazi.
- Uncertainty: If unsure whether the fluid is semen or mazi, washing the clothes is a precautionary measure.
Some sources suggest that even if a stain remains after washing, prayer is still permissible given that the initial impurity has been removed, provided the remaining stain does not contain active impurities. This aligns with the statement: "...written that it is clean can pray with it but if you clean it then it is better."
Important Note:
The above information is a summary based on prevalent Islamic interpretations. For specific rulings and further clarification, consultation with knowledgeable Islamic scholars or religious authorities is always recommended.
