What Should I Do If I Suspect the Smell on My Lower Garments Is Semen?

Answered by Shaykh Muhammad Carr

Question

I sometimes noticed a smell on my lower garments after sleeping, resembling semen, but found no physical evidence and didn’t take a ghusl.

Now that I realize the smell is indeed semen, do I need to make up past prayers for not performing ghusl?

Answer

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

Thank you for your question. Allah (Most High) says:

“And If you are ritually unclean, wholly purify yourselves by bathing.” [Quran, 5:6]

Regarding nocturnal emission, it is necessary to observe the presence of semen. If there is no physical evidence—such as the absence of semen—there is no requirement for a purificatory bath.

A major ritual impurity (janaba) is caused by the presence of semen on one’s garment, provided it is exclusively worn by them, or on bedding that is not shared with anyone else who might be suspected of leaving semen. This is because, in such circumstances, it is unlikely that the impurity originated from another source, even if it is found on the garment’s outer surface. Consequently, one must repeat any prayers offered afterward in which this impurity’s occurrence is probable. [Ibn Hajar, al-Manhaj al-Qawim]

I pray this is of benefit and Allah guides us all.
[Shaykh] Muhammad Carr
Checked and Approved by Shaykh Dr. Muhammad Abu Bakr Badhib

Shaykh Muhammad Carr has dedicated his life to studying and transmitting our beautiful deen. His studies have taken him around the globe, where he has benefitted from many luminaries. Under the guidance of his teachers – Shaykh Taha Karan, Shaykh Yaseen Abbas, Shaykh Muadh Ali, and many others – Shaykh Muhammad has grown to appreciate the beauty and benefits of diverse scholarship. He completed his memorization of the Qur’an at Dar al-Ulum Zakariyyah in September 1997 and received an Alimiyya Degree in 2006 from DUAI (Darul Ulum al-Arabiyyah al-Islamiyyah). He is also affiliated with Masjid Auwal in Bo Kaap, Cape Town (the oldest mosque in South Africa), where he serves as a co-imam, and Dar Al-Safa, where he has taught since 2018. As a teacher, he imparts the wisdom of our heritage and tradition by opening the door to students. As an imam, he has the unique opportunity to serve his community in daily life.

In addition to his roles as a teacher and imam, Shaykh Muhammad Carr has contributed significantly to the administrative and advisory aspects of Islamic institutions. Since 2023, he has served as the Administrative Director at The Imam Kurani Institute, contributing to the institution’s growth and development. He continues to pursue traditional Islamic Sciences, possessing a keen interest in Islamic Contract Law and Finance. Shaykh Muhammad has been a Shari‘a Board Member for Islamic Asset Management & Insurance Companies since 2001, aligning financial practices with Islamic principles.