No, you should not begin prayer if you need to poop. According to the provided reference, it's considered "strictly abominable" to start praying if you have the urge to defecate. This is because such a need will cause a distraction of the mind and heart, making true focus during prayer difficult.
Why Avoiding Prayer When Needing to Poop is Important
The core reason behind avoiding prayer when you need to poop is to maintain the sanctity and concentration required for worship. The reference clearly states that these needs:
- Cause loss of concentration.
- Distract from a focused mind and heart.
- Can interrupt prayer: If the need arises during prayer, the reference recommends stopping the prayer.
What Should You Do?
Here's what you should do if you need to defecate before prayer:
- Attend to your needs: Go to the bathroom before starting your prayer. This will help you focus and offer a more fulfilling worship.
- Recommence Prayer: Once relieved, proceed with your prayer with a clear mind and heart.
- Stop if Needed During Prayer: As the reference notes, it’s permissible (and recommended) to stop the prayer if you feel the need to defecate mid-prayer. Then, go to the bathroom and restart your prayer after relief.
Summary
| Need to Poop Before Prayer? | Action | Reason |
|---|---|---|
| Yes | Go to bathroom | Helps focus and avoid distraction during prayer |
| No, but During Prayer | Stop and relieve | Focus better after. Not permissible to continue |
By addressing your physical needs before engaging in prayer, you can ensure a more focused and spiritually enriching experience.
