Is it permissible for a person who forgot he was in a state of major ritual impurity (junub) and prayed Fajr and left the house, and cannot perform ghusl until he returns, to perform wudu’ and pray the subsequent prayers until he returns, or must he perform ghusl and make up the missed prayers upon his return?
If someone remembers they were in a state of major ritual impurity (janaba) after praying, they must perform ghusl (ritual bath) and repeat the prayers they performed while in that state. This is because ablution (wudu) does not remove janaba, and ghusl is the obligatory purification for it, based on the Almighty's saying: "And if you are in a state of janaba, then purify yourselves." However, if ghusl is not possible due to lack of water or illness, tayammum (dry ablution) is permissible temporarily, followed by ghusl when able. If one prayed while in a state of janaba, they incur sin if they were aware of their janaba and intended to do so. But if they were ignorant or forgetful, they must only perform ghusl and repeat the prayer.
Summarized from the full answer at Ftawy · reviewed Sep 2, 2026
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