Is the dry kohl residue (from the pencil) that forms around the eye considered a barrier that prevents the validity of ablution (wudu') and ritual bathing (ghusl)?
The general rule is to remove kohl that has a physical substance before performing ablution (wudu'), because it prevents water from reaching the skin. However, kohl that does not have a physical substance (like ink) does not prevent water from reaching the skin. For someone afflicted by waswas (obsessive whispering), they may adopt the lightest opinions to alleviate their difficulty. Some scholars have permitted ablution with a slight barrier on the limbs of wudu', just as Sheikh al-Islam (Ibn Taymiyyah) holds that a small amount of barrier or impurities is excusable. It is advised to constantly supplicate, distract oneself from these waswas, and consult a psychiatrist.
Summarized from the full answer at Ftawy · reviewed Sep 2, 2026
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