What is the opinion regarding Al-Shawkani's statement that praying in a ritually impure garment makes the worshiper negligent of an obligation and not that the prayer is invalid, considering that purity is a condition for obligation and not a pillar?
Purity from impurities (khabath) is a condition for the validity of prayer according to the majority of scholars, based on the noble verse: "And purify your garments." Ibn Qudamah stated that purity from impurity on the worshipper's body and clothes is a condition for the validity of prayer according to most scholars. He also mentioned that some of the Salaf held a different view. The majority cited as evidence the Hadith of Asma bint Abi Bakr concerning menstrual blood on clothing, and the Hadith: "Indeed, they are being punished, and they are not being punished for a major sin... As for one of them, he did not shield himself from his urine." The view of Al-Shawkani and some scholars that purity from impurity is not a condition is permissible, but it is better to adopt the view of the majority.
Summarized from the full answer at Ftawy · reviewed Sep 2, 2026
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