Question

I would like to ask regarding the meaning of the following:

“When Sa’id ibn Al Musayyab (rahimahullah) was asked regarding washing off of excreta with water, he said, ‘That is the way women wash.’

 

Answer

This narration is recorded in Muwatta Imam Malik.

(Muwatta Imam Malik, Hadith: 70)

 

Abul Walid Al Baji (rahimahullah) says, ‘It is possible that Sa’id ibn Al Musayyab (rahimahullah) meant that generally men would use soil only and women would use water. It is also possible that Sa’id ibn Al Musayyab (rahimahullah) was of the view that it is preferable for men not to use water. However, Most of the Fuqaha, including Imam Malik (rahimahullah) are of the view that washing with water is preferred.

‘Allamah ibn ‘Abdil Barr (rahimahullah) says, ‘This view of Sa’id ibn Al Musayyab (rahimahullah) does not decrease the virtue of washing with water in any way as Allah Ta’ala has praised the people of Quba [who would wash with water].

(Al Istidhkar, vol. 1 pg. 179, Awjazul Masalik, Hadith: 64. Also see: Al Ijabah Li iradi mastadrakathu ‘Aaishah ‘alas Sahabah of ‘Allamah Zarkashi, pg. 171)

 

Kindly refer to a Mufti/Darul Ifta for further clarification.

 

And Allah Ta’ala Knows best.

 

Answered by: Moulana Suhail Motala

 

Approved by: Moulana Muhammad Abasoomar

 

Checked by: Moulana Haroon Abasoomar

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