Question

What is the status of the following Hadith?

“Whoever does istinja (washes his private parts) after passing wind is not one of us”

Answer

Hafiz ibn ‘Asakir (rahimahullah) has recorded this Hadith on the authority of Sayyiduna Jabir (radiyallahu ‘anhu).

(Tarikh Ibn ‘Asakir, vol. 53, pg. 49)

However this Hadith has been transmitted with a very unreliable chain. Imam Shu’bah (rahimahullah) has declared one of the narrators a liar. The Muhaddithun have therefore regarded the Hadith in question to be among his extremely weak narrations (manakir).

(Refer: Lisanul Mizan, vol. 4, pg. 241, number: 3784 and Tanzihush Shari’ah, vol. 1 pg. 67. Also see Faydul Qadir, under Hadith: 8429, Al Mudawi and Al Mughir of Ahmad Siddiq Al Ghumari)

The Fuqaha have stated that istinja is not necessary after passing wind. It is actually considered a bid’ah (innovation) by some. Kindly refer to a Mufti/Darul Ifta for further clarification.

And Allah Ta’ala Knows best.

Answered by: Mawlana Suhail Motala

Approved by: Mawlana Muhammad Abasoomar

Checked by: Mawlana Haroon Abasoomar