Question:

I would like to know if it is allowed to put medicine like Bonjela (for mouth ulcers) after you do Wudhu’ and pray?

Also, after doing Wudhu’ if you touch your wife does the Wudhu’ become nullified?

Answer:

My brother, following is my categorized response to both of your questions.

A) Allah The Almighty is The Most Merciful and has full knowledge of the situations and needs of His servants. If a competent Doctor has advised that a medicine must be present at all times in the mouth, then there is no violation of limits if a person uses medicine after the Wudhu’ and prays while the medicine and or its taste remains in the mouth during prayers.

I am not a physician, but If there is no harm if the medicine was used in between two Wudhu’ (two prayers) and then gets washed out because of Wudhu’. It can still be used after the prayers then it is preferred to apply it after prayers. At all times please ask Allah The Almighty to make things easier and cure all ailments, Insha’ Allah.

B) Let us understand clearly that, a) in Islam there is no concept of touching any other women, b) wife is not an un-clean person and touching her would not break the Wudhu’ even if a man touches his wife with or without desire for her. To be more direct, touching or hugging does not break husband’s or wife’s Wudhu’ as long as there is no discharge of bodily fluids.

In Surah Al-Ahzab (33:21), Allah The Almighty says; “Indeed in the Messenger of Allah there is a beautiful pattern of examples to follow for any one whose hope is in Allah and the Final Day, and who engages much in the Praise of Allah.” There is not one single Ayah of Qura’n or Hadith from the traditions of the Prophet (peace be upon him) which confirms that touching a wife nullifies the Wudhu’.

Sayedina Abdullah Ibn Abbas (RAA), Sayedina Ali (RAA) and many other companions (RAA) recorded similar views on this matter. There are many Ahadith from Ummul Mumineen Sayeda Aisha (RAA) and other companions (RAA) that the Prophet (peace be upon him) touched even kissed his wives (RAA) and did not refresh his Wudhu’ or told anyone to refresh their Wudhu’ in the similar situations.

It is necessary to mention that the Pious Scholars such as Sayedina Abdullah Ibn Abbas (RAA), Sayedina Ibn Jarir At-Tabari (RA), Sayedina Imam Qurtubi (RA), Sayedina Ibn Kathir (RA), Sayedina Imam Abu Hanifah (RA), Sayedina Imam Ibn Taymiyah (RA), Sayedina Imam Nawawi (RA) and many others say that wherever Qura’n has used the terms “Touching Your Wives, In Contact with Your Wives, etc..” it means the sexual contact and NOT merely accidental or intentional touching or hugging with or without desire.”

Allah The Almighty calls our spouses as “Consorts” such as Companion, Partner, Associate, and Friend, where they both (husband and wife) find comfort, support, trust, harmony and help. A Muslim (man and woman) marry their spouse in the name of Allah making Him a Witness to the marriage contract. Allah knows the nature of our creation, created our spouses in love, mercy and compassion, and would ask about our behavior with them. Spouses are not for sex only but companionship in all matters where we can come to them in love, mercy, patience, compassion, companionship and care.

I hope this response answers your question. Please forward this response to others as you see appropriate. I ask for Allah’s forgiveness in all my mistakes and misunderstanding. Please remember us in your prayers.

I leave you and your loved ones in the mercy, guidance and protection of Allah The Almighty.

WaSalamu Alaikum,

Najam Najmi