Touching Objects with Wet Hands When Ghusl is Farz.

Question: If a person becomes ritually impure and intends to perform ghusl, but touches something with wet hands while still in that state, for example, clothing or an earthen vessel that can absorb water, will the clothing or vessel become impure if there is no actual impurity on his hands? Is it permissible for such a person to eat or drink while in this state?

The second question is about washing impure clothes three times at the end of ghusl. If a vessel is used to wash the clothes, does the vessel need to be washed with fresh water after each washing, or can the water used to wash the clothes simply be discarded each time and the clothes washed again in the same vessel without washing the vessel separately?

Answer: The physical contact of a ritually impure person, or his wet hands, is not itself impure. Only actual impurity present on his body is considered impure.

According to Islamic law, a person who is required to perform ghusl should perform ablution before eating. However, eating or drinking without performing ablution is permissible. Nevertheless, doing so is unhealthy and may have spiritual consequences. It is preferable to at least rinse the mouth and wash the hands and face before eating or drinking.

When washing impure clothes three times, it is preferable not to use a vessel. Pour water over the clothes and wring them thoroughly until the water stops dripping. Repeat the same process a second time, wringing out the water, and then wash and wring them a third time.

This process is not convenient when using a vessel, as the water used each time would have to be discarded and the vessel repeatedly cleaned. There is no need to go through such difficulty. Even with a small amount of water, a wet and washable piece of clothing can be washed three times.

Answered by: Allama Mufti Ubaidur Rahman Khan Nadwi

Source: Jameul Fatawa, Islamic Fiqh and Fatwa Encyclopedia

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