Does Water or Finger Insertion During Istinja Break the Fast With Rectal Prolapse?

Answered by Shaykh Yusuf Weltch

Question

Does water entering the anus due to rectal prolapse after istinja break the fast? If I insert toilet paper or wet fingers during istinja, does it invalidate my fast, considering part of the rectum is already exposed?

Answer

In the Name of Allah, the Most Merciful and Compassionate.

Water entering from the rear during istinja does not break the fast, as it is implausible that it would go far enough. [Tahtawi/Shurunbulali, Hashiyat Maraqi al-Falah]

Inserting a dry finger into the rear does not invalidate the fast. However, if the finger is wet and inserted to the depth of a suppository—approximately 3 cm—the fast is broken. [Ibn ‘Abidin, Radd al-Muhtar]

Although inserting the finger less than 3 cm into the rear does not break the fast, it is not an appropriate action. If one were to wipe themselves well after relieving themselves, and then use water to wash the area, it is unlikely that anything would remain.

Hope this helps
Allah knows best
[Shaykh] Yusuf Weltch
Checked and Approved by Shaykh Abdul-Rahim Reasat

Shaykh Yusuf Weltch is a teacher of Arabic, Islamic law, and spirituality. After accepting Islam in 2008, he went on to study at Darul Uloom Seminary in New York and completed his studies at Darul Mustafa in Tarim, Yemen.

There, he completed the memorization of the Quran and his study of Islamic Sciences. Throughout his years of study, he was blessed to learn from many great scholars: Habib Umar bin Hafiz, Habib Kazhim al-Saqqaf, Shaykh ‘Umar bin Husayn al-Khatib, and others.

Upon returning, he joined the SeekersGuidance faculty in the summer of 2019.