Yes, generally, passing gas, even a small amount (a fart), breaks wudu in most Islamic traditions. Wudu is the ablution performed before prayer (salah), and its purpose is to purify oneself before connecting with Allah.
Why Farting Breaks Wudu
The act of passing gas is considered a nullifier of wudu for several reasons:
- Impurity: It is seen as the release of something impure from the body.
- Physical State: The expulsion of gas indicates a physical process that necessitates purification before prayer.
- Tradition: Islamic jurisprudence (fiqh) outlines specific acts that nullify wudu, and passing gas is typically included among them.
What to Do if You Fart Before Prayer
If you pass gas before prayer, you must renew your wudu. The steps for renewing wudu are as follows:
- Intention (Niyyah): Make the intention to perform wudu.
- Washing the Hands: Wash both hands up to the wrists three times.
- Rinsing the Mouth: Rinse the mouth three times.
- Cleansing the Nostrils: Cleanse the nostrils three times by sniffing water into them and blowing it out.
- Washing the Face: Wash the entire face from hairline to chin and from ear to ear three times.
- Washing the Arms: Wash both arms from fingertips to elbows three times.
- Wiping the Head: Wipe the entire head with wet hands once.
- Wiping the Ears: Wipe the inside and outside of the ears with wet fingers once.
- Washing the Feet: Wash both feet from toes to ankles three times.
Different Interpretations
While the general consensus is that passing gas breaks wudu, some minor differences may exist among various Islamic schools of thought regarding specific circumstances. It's always best to consult with a knowledgeable religious scholar for clarification based on your specific situation and school of thought.
Conclusion
In summary, a fart, regardless of its size, typically nullifies wudu according to most Islamic traditions. Therefore, renewing the wudu is necessary before performing prayer.
