If you are unsure whether you broke your wudu (ablution) after performing it, assume that your wudu is still valid.
Detailed Explanation
When faced with uncertainty regarding the validity of your wudu, Islamic jurisprudence provides a principle of certainty. This means you rely on what you know to be true.
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The Principle of Certainty (Istishab): This principle states that a condition that is known to have existed (in this case, having wudu) is presumed to continue until there is certain knowledge that it has been broken.
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Applying the Principle: Because you know you performed wudu, but are only unsure if you nullified it, you should act as if your wudu is still intact. You do not need to repeat the ablution.
Examples
Here are a couple of examples to illustrate this principle:
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Example 1: You performed wudu for prayer. Later, you have a feeling that you might have passed gas, but you are not sure. In this case, you rely on the certainty that you had wudu and assume it is still valid.
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Example 2 (Contrast): You are not sure if you performed wudu before the prayer time. In this scenario, the absence of wudu is the certainty. You must perform wudu before praying because you are unsure whether you purified yourself.
Summary Table
| Scenario | What to Do | Reasoning |
|---|---|---|
| Know you made wudu, unsure if you broke it | Assume wudu is valid, continue praying/performing religious acts. | Rely on the principle of certainty; wudu is the established state. |
| Know you broke wudu, unsure if you made it | Assume you do not have wudu, perform wudu before praying/religious acts. | Rely on the principle of certainty; the absence of wudu is the established state. |
Conclusion
In situations where you cannot remember if you broke your wudu, adhere to the principle of certainty. If you know you performed wudu and are unsure whether it was nullified, assume your wudu is still valid. However, if you know you broke your wudu and are unsure whether you renewed it, assume you do not have wudu and perform ablution.
