According to the more correct scholarly opinion in Islam, sperm (semen) is considered pure.
Scholarly View on Purity of Semen
In Islamic jurisprudence, there are differing opinions among scholars regarding the purity of semen. However, the predominant and more widely accepted view among jurists is that semen is pure and does not constitute najasa (impurity) in the same way that substances like urine or feces do.
This view is supported by authentic narrations from the companions of the Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him).
Evidence from Hadith
A key piece of evidence supporting the purity of semen comes from the actions of `Aishah, the wife of the Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him).
Reference:
- Summary of answer: According to the more correct of the two scholarly opinions, semen is pure. `Aishah said: I remember scratching semen from the garment of the Messenger of Allah (blessings and peace of Allah be upon) thoroughly, then he prayed in it.
This narration indicates that simply scratching or rubbing the dried semen from a garment was sufficient, and the garment was still suitable for prayer without needing to be washed with water. This action suggests that semen is not considered a heavy impurity requiring washing. If it were considered impure, washing would typically be necessary to purify the garment for prayer.
Practical Implications
Based on the view that semen is pure:
- If semen gets on clothing or the body, it does not necessarily require washing to purify it for prayer or other acts of worship.
- One may simply rub or scratch it off if it is dry.
- Washing it off is also permissible and often preferred for cleanliness, but it is not mandatory from a purity perspective according to this view.
This differs significantly from the handling of other impurities like urine or blood, which require washing to purify the affected area or garment for prayer.
Summary Table:
| Substance | Purity Status (According to dominant view for semen) | Required Action (if on clothes/body) |
|---|---|---|
| Semen | Pure | Scratch/Rub (if dry), or Wash (for cleanliness) |
| Urine | Impure | Wash thoroughly |
| Feces | Impure | Wash thoroughly |
In conclusion, drawing upon the evidence and scholarly consensus based on the narration of `Aishah, the more correct position holds that semen is pure in Islam.
