Islamic Ruling on Performing Ghusl Based on Doubt
Ghusl (ritual bath) is not compulsory based on doubt; it is only required when certainty of impurity exists.
Hazrat Aisha (RA) narrated that the Prophet ﷺ was asked about a person who found wetness on his clothes but did not remember a sexual dream. He said that person should perform ghusl. Another person remembered having a sexual dream but found no wetness on clothes or body. The Prophet ﷺ said ghusl was not necessary for him (Sunan Abu Dawud 236, Bukhari 282).
Islamic scholars explain that ghusl does not become compulsory due to mere doubt. It is only required when there is certainty, such as:
- Clear traces of semen (mani) on clothes after a sexual dream
- Signs that are definitely from semen
If the traces might be wadi (pre-seminal fluid) or mazi (pre-ejaculatory fluid), ghusl is not required.
If it is certain that the traces are neither semen nor wadi, ghusl is also not required.
Al-Khatib al-Sharbini adds that when it is unclear whether the fluid is mani or something else, one can either perform ghusl for certainty or wash the affected area, relying on general safety (Maghni al-Muhtaj 1/269).