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To what extent is the statement true that the Maliki madhhab regarding Hajj is easier than the Shafi'i madhhab concerning touching a woman, and easier in the rulings of purity related to madhy for one who is frequently afflicted, and is this statement recommended to alleviate hardship in Hajj?

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A Muslim must follow the Sunnah and seek evidence, and not worship according to differences among scholars, for Al-Hafiz Ibn Abd al-Barr said: "Disagreement cannot be a proof in Sharia." A Muslim should not choose from the sayings of scholars what aligns with his desires because it is easier, but rather should seek what conforms to the Sunnah, and ask people of knowledge when in doubt.

Notes on what was mentioned in the question: 1. Invalidation of Hajj by accidentally touching a woman: This statement is incorrect according to the Shafi'i school. The correct view is that touching a woman may invalidate ablution (wudu') according to the Shafi'is, but this is an ijtihad (independent reasoning). The preponderant view is that touching does not invalidate wudu' unless it is with lust. 2. The Mustankih (one frequently afflicted by doubts) according to the Malikis: The mustankih is someone who experiences doubt about ablution or prayer once or twice daily. He is excused from impurity that affects his clothes, but he must perform ablution because his ablution is nullified. 3. The Sahib al-Sils (one with urinary incontinence) and Tawaf (circumambulation): The view of the majority of scholars is that the sahib al-sils performs ablution after the time for prayer begins, takes precautions, and prays the obligatory and supererogatory prayers, and performs Tawaf. The preponderant view is that of the majority, based on the Prophet's (peace be upon him) saying to Fatimah bint Abi Hubaysh: "He commanded Fatimah bint Abi Hubaysh, who was experiencing istihada (non-menstrual bleeding), to perform ablution for every prayer." Therefore, there is no major problem with Tawaf. Whoever is a sahib al-sils should do as mentioned, and if one is not a sahib al-sils and his ablution is nullified, he must repeat it.

Summarized from the full answer at Ftawy · reviewed Sep 2, 2026

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