Q: Your Eminence, what are the legal and sufficient criteria prescribed by Shari`ah (Islamic law) to distinguish between Maniy (sperm/vaginal secretions that are released on orgasm), Wady (a thick white secretion discharged after urination) and Madhy (thin white viscid fluid secreted due to erotic thoughts or desire). (Part No. 4; Page No. 138) Should I perform Ghusl (full ritual bath) if the discharge is Maniy, and Wudu' (ablution) if it is Madhy or Wady?

A: Maniy is a white thick fluid discharged from the sexual organ followed by a warm sensation. It is pure according to the soundest view. It is Mustahab (desirable) that one should clean any stains of Maniy that get on clothes whether by washing or scratching. Ejaculation of Maniy due to sexual intercourse or a wet dream necessitates Ghusl. In the case of having Maniy discharged without arousal, but due to sickness or cold, no Ghusl is required, only Wudu' (ablution).Madhy is a white light fluid that is ejected from the penis when a man fondles his wife or when having erotic thoughts, but without ejaculation. It is not followed by a warm sensation. Madhy is impure, therefore, one must wash the penis and testes, then perform Wudu' and sprinkle water over the spots which are affected by it, whether on the body or the clothes.Wady is a thick white fluid discharged from the penis after urination. It is impure and one must perform Wudu' after such discharge.May Allah grant us success. May peace and blessings be upon our Prophet Muhammad, his family, and Companions.