Scholarly opinion on whether sperm is impure (Najis) in Islam is divided, but the prevailing view is that sperm is considered pure (Tahir).
Here's a breakdown of the different perspectives:
-
Majority View (Purity): The most common view among scholars is that sperm is pure. This view is based on several arguments:
- Lack of Explicit Prohibition: There's no explicit verse in the Quran or authentic Hadith that clearly states that sperm is impure.
- Practical Difficulty: Declaring sperm impure would create significant practical difficulties, as accidental contact is common.
- Recommendation, Not Obligation: The recommendation to wash or remove sperm from clothing is generally interpreted as a matter of cleanliness and etiquette, not as a requirement to purify something impure. Some scholars suggest that Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) used to scratch dry sperm off his clothing, which suggests it wasn't considered inherently impure.
-
Minority View (Impurity): Some scholars consider sperm impure. Their arguments often rely on interpreting certain Hadith to suggest that it needs to be purified.
Handling Sperm According to Islamic Guidelines:
Even according to the majority view that considers sperm pure, Islamic teachings emphasize cleanliness and hygiene. Therefore:
- Wet Sperm: It's recommended (Mustahabb) to wash wet sperm off clothing or the body.
- Dry Sperm: If sperm dries on clothing, it's recommended to scratch it off.
In Summary:
While there are varying opinions, the more widely accepted view in Islam is that sperm is pure. However, maintaining cleanliness and removing traces of sperm is still recommended as part of Islamic hygiene practices.
